On Our Screens 2026: New Zealand parents and children choose entertainment content together

While there is widespread agreement that consistency across mediums is important, New Zealanders have mixed views about how and when legal age restrictions should apply to content.

Key findings from the survey include:

1. Parents and caregivers are actively involved in content choices
   91% of New Zealand parents or caregivers were involved in choosing a movie, show, or video game for a child or young person in the past year.
2. Age ratings are an important tool for New Zealanders making viewing decisions
   Of those who helped choose content with children or young people, 60% always or often follow official age ratings.
3. New Zealanders value consistency across different types of content
   76% of New Zealanders support a consistent approach to age ratings across cinemas, streaming services, DVDs/Blu-rays, and video games.

Further information

For more information, read our blog by Chief Censor Caroline Flora here, and see both the snapshot summary, On Our Screens 2026, and full report here.