Current News and Media Releases
New Decisions: Fast Food, Anti-Littering and More
The majority of the Complaints Board said the advertisement was a product advertisement that promoted McDonalds fries, a product with high appeal to children and an occasional food. The majority also said the presentation of the advertisement, including the humour and the music and brand recognition with McDonalds would also appeal to children.
New Decisions: Afrikaans Language, First Aid Fundraising and More
The Complainant said the translation of the phrase “The mighty South African burger” to “Die moerse Suid Afrikaanse burger” was incorrect and said the word moerse was offensive to Afrikaans speaking New Zealanders as the translation was not mighty, but an offensive swear word. The Advertiser said the word was hyperbolic and used to explain big or large.
Most Complained About Ads in 2017
We have released our official list of the ads that attracted the most complaints last year. Here are 2017’s five most complained about ads: #1: Frucor Suntory NZ Ltd, Television Advertisement 18 COMPLAINTS: UPHELD IN PART, SETTLED IN PART The ‘V Energy’ ad showed a construction worker on a building site. At 3pm two small… Read More
We’re Hiring! Senior Case Manager Vacancy
Bring your superior standard of work to our table and in return, we’ll give you the opportunity to play an important role in the self-regulation process for advertising in New Zealand. You’ll use your superior writing skills to ensure decisions and rulings of the Complaints Board are accurate and readable. Working alongside the Chief Executive… Read More
2017 Annual Report Released
The Advertising Standards Authority (ASA) has released its 2017 annual report. In 2017 the ASA received 603 formal complaints and responded to 347 enquiries from media companies, advertisers and agencies about advertisements prior to publication or broadcast. Over half the complaints related to misleading claims in advertisements and just under 20% of complaints were about… Read More
New Decisions: Misleading Photos, Environmental Claims and More
The Complainant said the advertisement was misleading because it implied the ring worn by the model was the ring on offer, when that ring was clearly larger than a 1ct solitaire diamond. The Advertiser agreed the advertisement could be considered misleading and said they had removed the ad and it will not be broadcast again in its current form.
New Decisions: Car Safety, Alcohol Advertising and More
The Complainant was concerned the advertisement showed the vehicle “breaking traction with excessive acceleration” where the car is seen “drag racing at the lights”. The Complainant said the advertisement also showed passengers riding in the car in dangerous positions.
ASA Releases 2017 Media Turnover
The Advertising Standards Authority (ASA) today reported that advertising revenue across all main media was 2.561 billion dollars for the 12 months ended 31 December 2017. The 2016 total was 2.572 billion dollars. The turnover includes data from television, newspapers, interactive media, radio, magazines, outdoor, addressed mail, unaddressed mail, and cinema.
ASA Office Evacuated: All Staff Working Remotely
The ASA office was evacuated on 12/04/18 due to structural building concerns and all our staff are currently working remotely. Please use email asa@asa.co.nz to contact us and we apologise if there is any delay in responding to your query. We are confident that there will be minimal disruption to our service.
New Decisions: Cultural Stereotypes, Harmful Bacteria and More
The Complainant said the advertisement was offensive because it implied that exposure to the outdoors was bad for children. The Complainant was also concerned the product contained the ingredient Triclosan because they believed it may have negative effects for users.
