DECEMBER NEWSLETTER 

Kia ora koutou

Taking time to look back at this time of year is a valuable practice. We've just published our annual report and it has been tabled in Parliament by the Minister. I'm incredibly proud of what our small team achieves for the safety of New Zealand communities.

In the past year we've reviewed and refined our operating model, we've published significant research and a consultation report, and we've done our daily mahi to a continually high standard. And there's still more to be done. We're now well underway with more core resources for educators, a train the trainer pilot that will be further rolled out in 2026, and a recent public survey on objectionable content that helps us to understand the present realities for New Zealanders trying to stay safe online.  

As always you'll also be able to find the latest featured decisions, with content breakdowns that help inform you and your whānau. So as you settled in for your holiday viewing, check out Find a Rating first before you press play. 

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. Be sure to follow our socials and LinkedIn too.

Aroha atu, aroha mai, tātou i a tātou
Let’s look out for each other

— Chief Censor Caroline Flora

#Mātakitahi #WatchTogether #Kōrerotahi #TalkTogether 

Image: Winona Ryder in season one of Stranger Things. 

Dear Children: Every adult can play a part to make Aotearoa safer for tamariki

This advocacy campaign begins with a letter from the Children’s Commissioner, Dr Claire Achmad, to every child in Aotearoa New Zealand — a pledge that their safety and wellbeing matters.

As Children’s Commissioner, Dr Claire Achmad together with her team at Mana Mokopuna is prioritising children’s safety and wellbeing in her independent advocacy, drawing national attention to the urgency need to end all forms of harm against mokopuna (children and young people). She is calling on all adults to speak up, work together, and take action to protect mokopuna.

View the campaign and access resources at DearChildren.co.nz

Our Annual Report 2024/25 is now available

In our latest annual report, Chief Censor Caroline Flora reflects on a year where the office turned 30, and how innovation is important when working within a 30-year old legislation. The Office has reviewed and refined the operating model; by doing our work efficiently and to a very high standard it means we've been able to focus on the growing demand for forensic classification work.

It was also a big year for research for our team - as well as Content that Crosses the Line we released youth-focused research about body image in conjunction with Netsafe, and we surveyed the public about their understanding of the New Zealand classification system. All of this research informs our day-to-day work, which you can read more about in our published Annual Report 2024/25. 

Through the ages: Christmas movies for the whole whānau

In our household, summer Christmas holidays are an excellent opportunity to get together and share the experience of watching festive movies. With a range of ages to cater to, handy watch guides are practical and inspirational. 

This season, our intern Noam has put together a watch list through the ages. Whether you're needing recommendations for the little ones, or the older teens, we reckon this list will have something to bring out the festive spirit in your household. 

Read on for content guides and ratings breakdowns for some seasonal classics. 

Can my child watch Stranger Things?

Viewers of Stranger Things have aged up with the show with the supernatural thriller releasing new seasons every year or two. Because of this, each season tends to have more graphic content than the previous one. We see a blend of horror, science fiction, and heartfelt coming-of-age drama. 

With the final season out now (rated R16 with content warnings for graphic violence and horror), just how scary and gory is it now that's all grown up? In the blog Noam outlines more information about the show so you can make the best viewing choice for you and your whānau. 

Do you have a suggested title you'd like to see us feature in our Find a Rating section of classificationoffice.govt.nz? Get in touch at info@classificationoffice.govt.nz with your request.

Why did Zootopia 2 get this rating?

PG: Violence

After solving Zootopia’s biggest case, rookie duo Judy Hopps (Ginnifer Goodwin) and Nick Wilde (Jason Bateman) are thrown into a new mystery when Gary De’Snake slithers into town and turns the city on its head. To get to the truth, they’ll have to go undercover in surprising corners of Zootopia, and their partnership will be pushed further than ever.

Zootopia 2 was cross-rated by FVLB and received a PG with a content warning for violence. Read our breakdown of this rating.

Why did Die My Love get this classification?

R16: Mental health themes, self-harm, sex scenes and offensive language

A psychological drama about a young mother with poor mental health. Her partner’s efforts to support her falter as her condition worsens. From the director of We Need to Talk About Kevin.

Die My Love was classified by the Office and received an R16 with content warnings for mental health themes, self-harm, sex scenes and offensive language. Read our breakdown of this classification.

Why did Pluribus get this rating?

13: Coarse language, dangerous behaviour, content that may disturb, drug use, horror, offensive language, nudity, sexual references, violence

In a world consumed by a strange surge of manufactured joy, Carol Sturka, immune to the effect, must uncover the truth and rescue humanity from its own bliss.

Pluribus was self-rated by Apple TV and received a 13 with content warnings for sexual violence, sex scenes, suicide, and offensive language. Read our breakdown of the rating for the first five episodes.

Because our work requires 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:

Everything we know about ChatGPT's 'erotica' rollout in December (Stuff)

Do trigger warnings spike intrigue or deter? (RNZ)

We asked Roblox's CEO about child safety. It got tense. (NY Times Podcast Hardfork)