Current News and Media Releases
Anzac Day Advertising Guidelines
The Ministry of Culture and Heritage provides guidelines about the use of the word Anzac in advertising. The guidelines prohibit the use of the word Anzac in trade or business unless approval has been given by the minister for arts, culture and heritage and the governor-general.
New Decisions: Political ads, electric vehicles and more
The Chair considered the consumer takeout of the advertisement was that electric vehicles do not need to use petrol, and this is the way of the future. The advertisement contained several shots of petrol pumps, which gave context for the message about petrol powered vehicles versus electric vehicles. The Chair ruled there were no grounds for the complaint to proceed.
New Decisions: Billboard Phrase Likely to be Read as Expletive
The Complaints Board said the phrase “Say FCU to your bank” is likely to be read as “Say fuck you to your bank” and the word “Fuck” is generally regarded as offensive to an unrestricted audience. The Accordingly, the Complaints Board ruled the complaint was Upheld and the billboard advertisement is to be removed.
Media Release: 2020 Election & Referenda Advertising
The ASA released its Guide on Election and Referenda Advertising today. The Guide has been compiled to help candidates, political parties, advocacy groups, consumers and the advertising industry understand the ASA’s role in supporting responsible advertising.
New Decisions: Ride-share app, alcohol advertising and more
The Complainant said the advertisement is misleading to say beer makes things brighter as alcohol is a depressant. They said it sent a dangerous message about alcohol consumption and the unrestricted medium means children could be exposed to it.
We’re Hiring! Seeking a Marketing & Communications Advisor and an Administrator
NOTE: Applications for both these roles have now closed. We are currently looking for people to fill two important roles at the ASA. We are seeking a Marketing and Communications Advisor (permanent, 20 hours per week) and an Administrator (12 month contract, full time). The Advertising Standards Authority (ASA) provides an inclusive and accessible workplace… Read More
ASA Summer Break
Warm greetings for the holiday season. The ASA office will be closed from midday on Friday, 20 December and re-open again at 9am on Monday 6 January 2020. If you have any urgent queries, please contact email us.
New Decisions: Alcohol Ads, 5G Technology & more
The Complainant was concerned the advertisement is misleading because there is no 5G system in New Zealand that could link continents to provide the level of connectivity portrayed in the advertisement. The 5G technology shown in the advertisement is a local high-speed network and relies on existing cable-based connectivity based outside New Zealand.
Media Release: Streets Ice Cream Ad Appeal Decision
The Advertising Standards Complaints Appeal Board has allowed the advertiser’s appeal of Complaint 19/296 for the Streets ice cream outdoor advertisement and the complaint is not upheld. In September, in a split decision, a majority of the Complaints Board ruled the outdoor advertisement for Streets ice cream breached the code requirement that advertising not undermine the health and well-being of individuals.
December 2019 Newsletter
Thank you for your support. It has been a busy year at the ASA and we are looking forward to a break over the holiday period. At this time of year, it is easy to make hasty online purchases without checking the shop is legitimate. We’re supporting the Domain Name Commission’s #ShopSafeNZ campaign to raise public awareness about how to spot fraudulent sites. Remember, if a deal seems too good to be true, it probably is!
