Current News and Media Releases
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!
New Decisions: Zombie comedy, alcohol advertising & more
The Complainant was concerned the advertisement is implying alcohol can lead to sexual and social success and has not observed the high standard of social responsibility required of alcohol advertising. The Advertiser said the advertisement shows two people in bed in the morning without feeling any regrets about sleeping late.
New Decisions: competitor complaint, political ads and more…
The Complainant said their main concerns relate to the use of a healthcare professional to endorse the product and the lack of confirmation about whether the advertisements had received the appropriate TAPS approval.
Today the new Gambling Advertising Code applies to all ads
The new Gambling Code recognises that gambling advertisements must not undermine the need for the prevention and minimisation of gambling-related harm, with particular regard for the need to protect children, young people and other vulnerable persons.
New Decisions: Fuel Rewards, Period Blood & more
The Board acknowledged parts of the ad would challenge some viewers, but these images were directly related to the product being advertised and the advertisement’s message about normalising periods. There was nothing exploitative or degrading in the ad and given the target audience, the advertisement was unlikely to cause serious or widespread offence.
Fireworks Advertising
The ASA is often asked about restrictions around advertising fireworks in New Zealand. We wanted to provide an overview of some of the things to consider when creating fireworks advertisements. Fireworks are controlled by the Hazardous Substances (Fireworks) Regulations 2001 and there are strict rules around buying and selling fireworks. Although fireworks can be used… Read More
ASA Newsletter: October 2019
We hope you’ve had a good winter and are starting to enjoy some warmer spring weather. We’ve had a busy few months with a review of the Alcohol Advertising & Promotion Code underway, the new Gambling Code coming into effect and hosting a number of educational workshops.
Spotlight on Harmful Gender Stereotypes in Ads
Use of stereotypes in advertisements, often in a humourous way, has been common practice. However, the spotlight is now more than ever before on the harmful use of stereotypes. What may have been considered funny or normal in the past may no longer be acceptable.
New Decisions: Ride-share comparisons, healthy lunchboxes and more
The Complaints Board agreed the advertisement made no explicit claim that OLA’s service was faster than its competitor, but OLA’s claim that it was “way cheaper” was not sufficiently supported by the information it provided. The Complaints Board said the advertisement’s disclaimers containing information explaining the pricing structure were difficult to read.
New Decisions: School bullying scene, scary posters and more
The majority of the Complaints Board said that the advertisement showed bullying behaviour and was not socially responsible. A minority of the Complaints Board disagreed and said the student being asked for money maintained his confidence throughout the encounter
