AUGUST NEWSLETTER 

Kia ora koutou

We’ve recently released the results of our snapshot survey, where we canvas New Zealanders' opinions on the classification system. We're pleased to hear that 91% of parents and caregivers are involved in choosing a movie, TV series or video game with a child or young person. Being involved, open to conversations, and willing to listen to what support young people need are the best ways to help young people navigate media.

In this edition we highlight several ways that you can support and engage with media content that your young person might be interested in; if WWE has never been your jam but your young one wants to watch a wrestling match, then Jane's blog will be very helpful.

As usual we also break down the content for popular titles in cinemas, and on streaming platforms. Check out the featured decisions for Spider-Man: Brand New Day, The Shards, and Ransom Canyon. 

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 us on Facebook, Instagram 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: Tom Holland is Peter Parker in Spider-Man: Brand New Day

Can my child watch Salish & Jordan Matter?

What parents should know about YouTube kid influencers.

If you've never heard of Salish and Jordan Matter, you're probably not alone. But if you have school-aged children, there's a good chance they already know exactly who they are.

The popular father-and-daughter duo built a huge audience on YouTube through challenge videos, pranks, competitions and everyday family adventures. Now, two seasons of Salish & Jordan Matter have landed on Netflix, self-rated PG with content warnings for coarse language and adult themes. For many parents, this is a rare chance to get a closer look at the kind of content their children may already be watching.

Kids' influencer content on YouTube is massive, and it's not going anywhere.

Can my child watch pro-wrestling? A parent ventures into the WWE universe

Everything old is new again so where do you begin when your eight year old wants to start watching World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE)? Jane dives in deep to discover there's a large range of options ranging from PG to R18-level wrestling content available on Netflix. 

At its core, yes, pro-wrestling is about fighting – but it’s also about spectacle, character, and story; from SmackDown and Raw to the graphic fighting of Judgment Day. Read on for Jane's breakdown of the different type of WWE available.

On Our Screens: A snapshot of how New Zealanders use age ratings in 2026

Our latest On Our Screens 2026 survey shows that New Zealanders continue to value age ratings and warnings and want them to be consistent wherever they are watching.

Some of the key findings include:

• 91% of New Zealand parents and caregivers were involved in choosing a movie, show, or video game with a child or young person in the past year
• Among those making content choices with children, 60% always or often follow official age ratings
• 76% of New Zealanders support a consistent approach to age ratings across cinemas, streaming services, DVD/Blu-rays, and video games

These findings are encouraging because they show that age ratings remain an important part of helping people make informed viewing choices. Continue reading about our most recent survey findings.

Why did The Shards get this rating?

16: Graphic violence, sex scenes, drug use, and offensive language

Set in Los Angeles in 1981, The Shards follows a 17-year-old fictionalised version of writer Bret Easton Ellis during his final year at high school. The arrival of a mysterious new student, Robert Mallory, coincides with the activities of a serial killer known as The Trawler.

The Shards was self-rated by Disney+ and received a 16 with content warnings for graphic violence, sex scenes, drug use, and offensive language. Read our breakdown of this rating for the first two episodes.

Why did Spider-Man: Brand New Day get this rating?

M: Violence

A forgotten Peter Parker lives alone as a full-time Spider-Man until mounting pressure triggers a dangerous change, and a powerful new enemy emerges.

Spider-Man: Brand New Day was cross-rated by the Film and Video Labelling Body and received an M with a content warning for violence. Read our breakdown of this rating.

Why did Ransom Canyon, Season Two get this rating?

16: Sex scenes

Set against the backdrop of Texas Hill Country, the series follows interconnected families navigating love, legacy and long-held rivalries in a tight-knit town. 

Ransom Canyon was self-rated by Netflix and received a 16 with a content warning for sex scenes. Read our breakdown of this rating.

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:

Play, pause, rewind - where do these universal media symbols come from? – RNZ

No, Halloween: The Game is not banned in New Zealand – Yeah Nah Gaming

Where Are The Audiences 2026 – NZ On Air