Newsletters

May 2023

Microsoft launched the Xbox Gaming Safety Toolkit in Aotearoa and Australia for whānau and gamers! Our research on pornography was discussed with students, and our Chief Censor celebrated New Zealand Sign Language Week 2023 by trying #GiveItAGo!

April 2023

We spotlight the childhood experience of watching movies at sleepovers that may not be age-appropriate, and how parental controls can help keep our whānau safe. We've also launched a Requests for Proposals for our upcoming research project on body image in partnership with Netsafe.

March 2023

We share out thoughts on this year's Academy Awards and our excitement for the long-awaited return of Censor for A Day.

January/February 2023

Our first newsletter of 2023 dives into a variety of topics: nudity on screen, explaining to tamariki why there are rules around what they can watch, ratings for new release films and series, how we can help libraries, and more.

December 2022

We end the year with our Chief Censor, Caroline Flora's reflection on the year that has been and some awesome holiday tips for whānau.

Parental controls and research report

In this special edition, we share more findings from our research conducted earlier this year, building on the report we released in June and how whānau can take control with parental controls.

November 2022

See how we've collaborated with other agencies, and how we can support your community through education, in our November newsletter.

October 2022

We've been both hosts and guests of international counterparts in October. Find out who we've engaged with, and get the lowdown on the warnings and ratings for this month's spooky shows.

September 2022

Our September newsletter features a win on the world stage with our research partners, and breaks down the content of two new high profile series.

August 2022

We announce some exciting news about our NZ Youth and Porn research series, and share our latest blogs.

July 2022

Meet Caroline Flora, New Zealand's new Chief Censor, and check out our latest blog post and Quick Takes.

New research report

In this special edition, we share the key findings from our latest research report What We're Watching, which shows New Zealanders are worried about harmful content on screen and online.

June 2022

We share the news of the appointment of our new Chief Censor, and our response to the events in Buffalo, New York.

May 2022

In this special edition of our monthly update we pay tribute to our Chief Censor David Shanks whose term comes to an end on Friday 6 May.

April 2022

Our research into pornography will now be helping more teachers and parents to have difficult conversations with rangatahi with the release of a Ministry of Education resource.

March 2022

Our work at Te Mana Whakaatu - Classification Office continues as we all juggle the reality of working-from-home whilst classifying content that might not be suitable to see.

February 2022

A new year brings a fresh new website, and our presentation for parents on Growing Up With Porn is now available online.

December 2021

We’re mixing up our regular dispatch this month to bring joy with a helpful holiday season viewing guide.

November 2021

Our November dispatch from Te Mana Whakaatu Classification Office draws a line under the lows and highs of 2021.

October 2021

October's newsletter looks at Squid Game, examines how we classify horror, and considers porn fantasies.

September 2021

We welcome our new Deputy Chief Censor, talk about the collaboration with the Canadian Centre for Child Protection, and touch on some recent decisions.

August 2021

August's newsletter is about conferences, a great NZ film, and what we actually do.

July 2021

July's newsletter talks about misinformation and the research we've done about it.

June 2021

We kick off our June newsletter with The Bare Facts, a collaboration with Netsafe to talk about the reality of sending intimate images online.

May 2021

Our news bulletin of Classification Office activities comes to you this month bursting at the seams with ways that we're listening to and working alongside different voices.

April 2021

Difficult classification decisions, rewarding research work and we discuss rating new release title The United States vs. Billie Holiday in our April update. 

March 2021

Our work is changing, essential given the shifts in our media consumption patterns and how they affect real world behaviour. More than ever, it’s crucial we look after each other and ourselves and whānau.

January 2021

It's 2021 and it's time to celebrate sun, happiness and seeing the back of 2020. In this edition you will find good advice around watching sensitive material, links to our holiday content, an update of our Youth Advisory Panel and what we are looking forward to this year.

December 2020

Meri Kirihimete! And what a year it’s been! We hope this holiday season brings you rest, recuperation, joy and hope for the year ahead. Ngā mihi o Hineraumati, seasons greetings from all of us at the Classification Office.

November 2020

This month we have video presentations from the Chief Censor, some beautiful infographics from our guest speakers, some highly relevant research and some excellent resources from our friends at Ara Taiohi.

October 2020

Click through for an excellent animated resource on brain development, a podcast with media expert Sanjana Hattotuwa, some great coverage of NetHui and a few of our favourite reads this month.

Spring 2020

This month we tackle the CUTIES controversy, take you through our Youth & Porn campaign on Insta, introduce you to how we use te Reo everyday, and let you in on what we got up to for Mental Health Awareness Week.

September 2020

From 2021, streaming platforms will be required to show NZ consumer information. Find out more about the change and what else we've been up to!

August 2020

Interested in the parts of our work that involve online hate and dangerous speech? This month’s newsletter features some great interviews and research on online harassment, incels and racism – check it out!

July 2020

We’ve been busy over the last few months! Click through for all our latest content, including videos, cartoons, a podcast, blogs, AND an update on legislation.

April 2020

The final stage of our two year NZ Youth & Porn research is now available. What do young New Zealanders have to say about online porn, and what does this mean for parents and educators? Find out in our latest newsletter.

March 2020

This special Lockdown Edition covers practical ways to keep you and your whānau safe online during a season of extended screen time. #WatchTogether