Current News and Media Releases
ASA launches review of Children and Young People’s Advertising Code
12 July 2022 The Advertising Standards Authority (ASA) has launched its planned review of the Children and Young People’s Advertising Code. The ASA sets the standards for responsible advertising in New Zealand and runs a complaints process to support compliance. In 2021, the ASA received 1245 formal complaints about 570 advertisements from a range of… Read More
Key issues for discussion in the Children and Young People’s Advertising Code
12 July 2022 With the launch of our planned review of the Children and Young People’s Advertising Code today, we thought we would highlight some of the key issues that have been raised with us directly or highlighted through our complaints process. Age definitions: In the current code, children are defined as being those under… Read More
Media Release: Advertising Standards Authority Annual Report 2021
18 May 2022 The Advertising Standards Authority (ASA) has today released its 2021 Annual Report. This report outlines the self-regulatory action undertaken by the ASA and provides a snapshot of key areas of work. The ASA handled 1245 complaints about 570 advertisements in 2021. Possible code issues were identified in 284 advertisements and the ASA… Read More
ASA releases most complained about ads of 2021
18 May 2022 The ASA has today released its 2021 Annual Report. As part of this report, we have released some of the most complained about ads last year. In 2021, we received 1245 complaints about 570 advertisements. The most complained about category was advocacy advertisements (including COVID-19 related advertising). For more information on the… Read More
Financial Advertising Code effective for all ads from June
17 May 2022 The Financial Advertising Code comes into effect for all financial ads on 1 June. The new Code replaces the Code for Financial Advertising and was updated last year following a routine review. It became effective from 1 March 2022 for new financial advertising, and will become effective from 1 June 2022 for all financial advertising. The… Read More
Spotlight on: Comparative Advertising
Comparing a competitor product or service is a common tactic used by advertisers. But there are several important things to keep in mind when taking this approach. Below, we cover the top things that you need to be aware of if making comparative statements in advertising. Comparative ads: MUST only compare like with like: If… Read More
ASA upholds complaints against Voices for Freedom flyer advertisements
18 February 2022 The Advertising Standards Authority (ASA) Complaints Board has upheld 101 complaints about Voices for Freedom advertisements for misleading and socially irresponsible information about the COVID-19 pandemic. The flyer advertisements from the group were distributed to homes across New Zealand. The Complaints Board considered a total of 101 complaints in the published decisions…. Read More
Spotlight on: Weight loss and dieting advertisements
17 January 2022 The start of a new year can be a time for setting resolutions and goals. Kiwis report that losing weight and improving fitness are on the top of their resolution lists, so it’s no surprise we often see promotions for health programmes or products, gym discounts, and new lifestyle kicks around this… Read More
Top tips for advertisers this festive season
15 December 2021 The holiday season is right around the corner and with that, comes Christmas specials and New Years’ deals galore. Below are some tips for advertisers to help minimise the risk of a breach of the ASA codes: Advertising alcohol: As a restricted product, a high standard of social responsibility applies to all… Read More
Explainer: Advocacy Advertising
Complaints about advertisements from political parties, or groups expressing concerns about issues that are the subject of public debate such as fluoridation or legislation of marijuana are often some of the most challenging complaints our Complaints Board adjudicates on. Under the Advertising Standards Code, these advertisements are classed as ‘Advocacy Advertisements.’ By their nature, they… Read More
