Our monthly update shines a spotlight on the great work done to inform and empower New Zealanders No images? Click here DECEMBER NEWSLETTER Kia ora koutou It is a privilege to have joined this team in July of this year. Every day I’m reminded of how capable and experienced this team is. They’re working hard every day to empower New Zealanders to make good, informed choices about what to watch. I joined Te Mana Whakaatu – Classification Office in July 2022, taking over the reins from David Shanks. His commitment to reducing harm in New Zealand was absolute, and the Office is in good stead thanks to his leadership. I want to acknowledge the vision and resolve David brought to the role in his five years as Chief Censor. In my blog I look back at the year that has been, and outline the three broad priorities for the next year of mahi. And across the past month we have released our annual report, launched our parental controls campaign, and assessed new release films and TV shows, some of which we've broken down the ratings for you in our Quick Takes section. Our newsletters generally talk about topics like sex, drugs, and the media content landscape. Our aim is to have difficult conversations and shine a light on ways to reduce harm for New Zealanders. If you know someone who should receive these updates, please share our newsletter or encourage them to subscribe here. Be sure to follow our socials too. Aroha atu, aroha mai, tātou i a tātou — Chief Censor Caroline Flora #Mātakitahi #WatchTogether #Kōrerotahi #TalkTogether Image: a still from Netflix's Wednesday Top tips to stay safe these holidays The Office communications team, aka Information Unit, wish you a very happy and safe holiday season. Here are our handy hints to help you stay safe whilst having fun:
Our annual report for 2021/2022 is now available Our annual report for 2021/2022 is available to download from our website. The document reports on our statutory obligations, including our key impacts, our classification work, the communication of our work, research, collaborations, outreach, and financial statements. C3P releases analysis of financial sextortion victim posts published on r/Sextortion The Canadian Centre for Child Protection (C3P) has released a new report about the reality of financial sextortion through their analysis of almost 6,500 posts on the Reddit form, r/Sextortion. C3P found that:
![]() Parental Controls resource: new on our website You control what you and your whānau watch, and we can help you with those choices. NZ age ratings and content descriptions displayed on streaming platforms can help you make informed decisions. You can also control the sort of TV shows and movies your whānau can access by using ‘parental controls’. These allow you to set the maximum NZ age rating for your account or profile, and you can have different profiles for different family members. Looking back to better navigate the path ahead: the Chief Censor on the year that was Chief Censor Caroline Flora reflects on the year of mahi by the Office, and lays out the priorities for the year ahead. "We know that the current regulatory system isn’t going to work for new and emerging challenges. I’m readying the organisation for change and laying the foundations for a different future. We know that the principles underpinning our work – preventing and reducing harm, protecting young and vulnerable people, empowering New Zealanders, and a commitment to free expression – will endure." Those Christmas movie feels: age-appropriate holiday viewing Christmas is really the most wonderful time of the year, and what better way to spend it than getting cosy and pressing play on your favourite holiday film with the whole whānau. As magical as these movies can be it is always important to check the rating and content warning before pressing play. Caitlin breaks down the ratings for some classic Christmas movies for the holiday season. Read more on the blog. Why did Wednesday get this rating?M: reo Mōrihariha, taikaha / M: Offensive language, violence He mema a Wednesday o te whānau mōiriiri o ngā Addams, otirā tē taea te noho ki te kura kotahi. I muri i te panatanga mō te tuku i ngā piranha ki te whakaeke i tētahi tira whakaweti, kua tae ia ki tētahi tāone iti ki Nevermore Academy - he kura mā te rāwaho, te whanokē me te whaiwhaiā. This film was self-rated by Netflix and received an M Offensive language, violence. Read our te Reo Māori translated Quick Take and our English version for the full breakdown of this rating for episode one. Why did Bones and All get this classification?R16: Bloody violence and content that may disturb Maren and Lee, two young cannibals, embark on a liberating road trip across America. Together they search for their identities while learning how to survive on the margins of society. This film was classified by the Classification Office and received an R16 Bloody violence and content that may disturb. Read our Quick Take for a breakdown of the classification. Why did Guillermo del Toro's Pinocchio get this classification?PG: Violence, cruelty and content that may disturb A stop-motion animated fantasy and musical, this new Pinocchio is a darker version of the classic children’s fairy tale. Set in 1930s Italy, a wooden puppet, Pinocchio, is brought to life in attempt to bring a grieving father, who has lost his son, some happiness. This film was classified by the Classification Office and received a PG Violence, cruelty and content that may disturb. Read our Quick Take for a breakdown of the classification. ![]() Because our work involves a broad knowledge of the vast online landscape, we consume a lot of media in the office. Here are just a few of the things we’ve found relevant and informative over the past month. Take a break, with these media lunch items. Coordinated Review of the Management of the LynnMall Supermarket Attacker (Report) 10 key takeaways from an astounding new survey of Gen Z New Zealanders (The Spinoff) How to talk about climate change with 'that' Uncle at Christmas (RNZ) Is what The White Lotus suggests about men and sex true? (Stuff.co.nz)
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