JANUARY SPECIAL EDITION NEWSLETTER

Kia ora koutou

Today we launch our latest survey findings which show that exposure to extreme or illegal online content is a common experience for many people in Aotearoa.

Two-thirds (66%) of New Zealanders have seen extreme or potentially illegal content online, with one in ten (11%) reporting that the experience caused them some level of harm. 

The report, Online Exposure: Experiences of Extreme or Illegal Content in Aotearoa is based on a survey of 1,000 New Zealanders aged 18 and over, and is understood to be the first of its kind to ask adults directly about their experiences with extreme or illegal content online. 

The survey also shows that around half (49%) of the population believe encountering extreme content online is unavoidable, and majority (78%) think the likelihood of seeing it is increasing over time. 

For me, these results are telling. Some of the worst of the worst content is available to those who never wanted to see it. As a community, we are experiencing generational differences – younger audiences encounter more extreme content, and older audiences worry about its impact on their families and communities. But across generations, one thing is clear: people still see this material as harmful and New Zealanders are not desensitised to it. 

People’s comments in the survey tell me that there is concern in the community about the availability of this content, there is a general unawareness about its legal status, and people are experiencing harm. This is where we collectively need to do better.

It is the role of the Classification Office to inform the New Zealand public about their rights and responsibilities when it comes to content, and we all have a part to play in keeping this content away.   

In response to these research findings the Office has developed and released new resources via our website: you can learn about what objectionable content is, how to report it, and where to seek help if you’ve been impacted by something you’ve seen.   

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

— Chief Censor Caroline Flora

#Mātakitahi #WatchTogether #Kōrerotahi #TalkTogether 

Image: illustration by Mark Creative

Our latest research is available now

Research key findings can be downloaded as a supplementary document online.

• Most New Zealanders are aware that some content is illegal, but many are unsure about the types of content that might cross the legal line.
• Seeing extreme or illegal content is a common experience for many New Zealanders.
• Exposure is often unintentional, and actively looking for extreme or illegal content is rare.
• Some experience significant harm from exposure, and many take steps to avoid this content.
• Extreme or illegal content can be difficult to avoid online, and most think it’s a growing problem.
• Most would consider reporting extremely harmful, dangerous or illegal online content, and many express some degree of trust in online platforms or law enforcement to remove this content.
• Younger New Zealanders are most affected by extreme or illegal content.

The full research report Online Exposure: Experiences of Extreme or Illegal Content in Aotearoa is available online. 

The Classification Office commissioned Ipsos (an independent market research company) to conduct the survey

Our research team looked at a variety of local and international surveys, adapting our approach and methodology to make this study relevant in the context of Aotearoa and our legal classification criteria. Ipsos reviewed and provided assistance with the final survey design.

Ipsos conducted an online survey of 1,000 New Zealanders, from 17-27 November, 2025. The sample was representative of age, gender, and region. Weighting was then applied to ethnicity to ensure a representative spread. 

Methodology and survey questions can be downloaded as a supplementary document, and the full research report Online Exposure: Experiences of Extreme or Illegal Content in Aotearoa is available online.