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25/189 Bank of New Zealand, Live Television

Complaint number: 25/189
Advertiser: Bank of New Zealand
Advertisement: Bank of New Zealand Live Television
Date of Decision: 1 September 2025
Outcome: No Further Action

Complaints:
There were three complaints about this advertisement:

One
the shop assistant is drinking milk from a container the spits the milk back into the container. it is suggested he then sells it to the lady customer who is looking on in disgust

Two
I would like to complain about the Ad that has ‘Reece’ as a checkout counter operator/eating testing some of the food that the client puts through his checkout.
It is the most gross ad I have ever seen on TV! Simply appalling viewing!!
I always mute the ads when they come on.
I have only seen this one a couple of times because as soon as it comes on, I cover my eyes & it’s already muted!
The most disgusting part is when he takes a swig of whatever is in the bottle …. doesn’t like it and spits it back ….. truly gross!!
I don’t even know who or what the ad is for.
Please remove it from our screens immediately.

Three
The ad is about surcharges and a woman is buying food (muffins and milk) and the cashier takes a bit out of a muffin then puts it back in the container, then opens a container of milk and takes a sip then spits some back into the container. This is absolutely disgusting behaviour that is not good for people to see and could create people trying this sort of behaviour in food outlets.
Also not good at that time of the day when many may be having a meal.

Relevant Codes: Advertising Standards Code – Principle 1, Rule 1 (f) Violence and Anti- social Behaviour;

Decision: The Complaints Board Chair considered the context, medium and audience of the advertisement, the product or service being advertised and when applicable generally prevailing community standards. The Chair also considered decisions about similar issues or advertising.

The Chair ruled the issue you raised does not reach the threshold to breach the relevant Advertising Standards Authority Codes and we will not be taking any further action.