Current News and Media Releases
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
Feedback on nutritional classification system to identify occasional food and beverages sought
24 November 2021 The ASA Children and Young People’s Advertising Code is due for its five-yearly review in 2022. Prior to the review of the full code, we are seeking feedback from nutrition experts and those in the food industry on the nutrient profiling system to use in the Code to identify occasional food and… Read More
Media Release: ASA releases new Financial Advertising Code
17 November 2021 As part of its regular code review process, the ASA has today released a new Financial Advertising Code.
Media Release: Consultation on draft Financial Advertising Code
31 August 2021 As part of its regular code review process, the ASA is inviting comment on its new draft Financial Advertising Code. Advertisers, agencies and media companies will be required to follow this code when it replaces the current Code for Financial Advertising.
Spotlight on: Influencer Advertising
Last week, we announced some changes to the way we deal with influencer ad identification complaints and an updated version of the Influencers AdHelp Information. These changes come following a review of our process since the release of the Influencers AdHelp Information in September 2020.
Spotlight on: Offensive language in advertising
Swear words and other forms of offensive language are techniques sometimes used by advertisers looking to grab attention with their campaigns – which may also attract complaints! When does the use of offensive language cross the line?
Alcohol Advertising and Promotion Code effective today
Today, 1 July 2021, the new Alcohol Advertising and Promotion Code becomes effective for all alcohol advertising and promotion.
