Current News and Media Releases
Latest decisions: Radiant Health, COVID-19, and more
February 2022 The following decisions have been released to the ASA website: Complaint 22/001 Department of the Prime Minister and Cabinet, Television, No Grounds to Proceed Complaint 22/002 Department of the Prime Minister and Cabinet, Radio, No Grounds to Proceed Complaint 22/003 CGO Uncensored Limited, Girls Get Off, Billboard, Settled Complaint 22/005 AF Drinks, Website,… 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
A note on COVID-19 advocacy ads
There is rightly a high level of public interest about misinformation, and as an organisation the ASA understands the important role we play in supporting the right to freedom of expression along with balancing the public health implications of a global pandemic and the impact of misinformation. In its recent decisions, the Complaints Board acknowledged… 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
Reminder: Financial Advertising Code effective for new ads in March
The recently updated Financial Advertising Code comes into effect for new financial ads on 1 March. The new Code replaces the Code for Financial Advertising and was updated last year following a routine review. It becomes effective from 1 March 2022 for new financial advertising, and 1 June 2022 for all financial advertising. The new Code… Read More
Latest decisions: COVID-19, environmental claims, and more
January 2022 The following decisions have been released to the ASA website:Complaint 21/396 BurgerFuel, Player of the Day Award, Upheld in Part, Not Upheld in PartComplaint 21/511 New Zealand Taxpayers’ Union, Television, No Grounds to ProceedComplaint 21/525 Living Waters Publications, Brochure, No Grounds to ProceedComplaint 21/544 Williams Corporation Limited, Digital Marketing, SettledComplaint 21/386 Department of the Prime Minister and Cabinet,… 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
Holiday office closure
The ASA Office will be closed from 23 December 2021 and will reopen again on 10 January 2022. The ASA Complaints Board meets every few weeks, however this schedule is impacted by the Christmas/New Year holiday break. If you made a complaint before Christmas and have not heard from us, we will be in touch… 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
Latest decisions: Therapeutic claims, Vicks nasal spray, and more
The following decisions have been released to the ASA website: Complaint 21/451 Department of Prime Minister and Cabinet, Unite Against COVID-19, Television, No Grounds to Proceed Complaint 21/453 Department of Prime Minister and Cabinet, Unite against COVID 19, Television, No Grounds to Proceed Complaint 21/480 Wella, Clairol, Television, No Grounds to Proceed Complaint 21/045 Godfreys,… Read More
