MAY NEWSLETTER

Kia ora koutou

Just over one week ago we launched our latest research: a literature review and content analysis focused on Online Misogyny and Violent Extremism. We encourage you to explore the key insights, to share it with colleagues, and to bookmark the resource. 

This past month has seen some compelling film and series releases which are both entertaining and containing some *strong* content. On our site we breakdown the ratings and classifications for popular new releases to help you know your rating and be informed before pressing play. Check out featured decisions for Furiosa: A Mad Max Saga, The Idea of You, Back to Black and more.     

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: Anya Taylor-Joy in Furiosa: A Mad Max Saga.

Online misogyny and violent extremism: our latest research is available now

We've become increasingly concerned about misogyny as a common thread across various hateful and extremist ideologies growing online both in Aotearoa and around the world. 

Through our day to day work we are regularly confronted with misogynistic rhetoric in the propaganda of extremists who have committed mass violence and murder. It is pervasive, threatening and harmful. 

We've conducted research on this topic to better understand the landscape and to provide information to those working in this industry. There has been an information gap in this area, and we think it's important to have real-world insight into online misogyny and the links to violent extremism in New Zealand. 

We have produced a summary report, which provides key insights and gaps, and an online resource with additional detail on key insights. This resource features extensive references for topics covered in this research project. 

Our online web resource deep dives into technology and online platforms, online harassment and abuse, intersectionality, and government responses. Browse it, share it with your networks, and bookmark it now.

Netsafe's relaunch of a beloved education resource: Welcome to Hector's World

Hector's World is a New Zealand-made animated educational series — with full resource suite for school and home — designed to inspire online safety conversations with primary-age children.

Backed by over 60 purpose-built resources and activities, including curriculum-aligned resources for teachers to use in the classroom, and whānau resources to help support the programme at home, with conversation guides and ‘top tips’ for parents and guardians, the animated episodes (available in English, te reo Māori and subtitles) features seven episodes set in a vibrant underwater world, starring Hector the Dolphin and his friends as they explore the digital world safely and responsibly. 

The first 3 episodes are available now to watch on HectorsWorld.com. New weekly episodes are dropping with parent conversation guides too. Ka rawe!

Celebrating Media Literacy Week 2024: Guest blogs by media studies students 

During Media Literacy Week we encouraged and supported media studies students to write guest blogs about their personal experience of media and staying safe when using media.

Media Literacy Week aims to “equip secondary students with vital skills to navigate the complexities of the digital age, fostering critical thinking and resilience in the online realm”. It’s run during Term 2 at schools and kura around Aotearoa New Zealand.

Here at Te Mana Whakaatu – Classification Office we love media literacy. Being aware of media, how to use it, interpret it, decode it, and verify it, means we can be safe out there. We tautoko this educational push to improve media literacy for rangatahi.

Impact Guide: What you need to know about Shōgun

How violent is the Shōgun season one? Does it contain nudity, sex, gore, offensive language, violence, and suicide?

Shōgun is based on the 1975 novel by James Clavell, which was previously adapted into a 1980 miniseries. Set in Feudal Japan, Lord Toranaga is fighting for his life as his enemies on the Council of Regents unite against him to rule Japan. With conflict brewing, a mysterious European ship is found in a nearby fishing village, carrying guns and a man of unrelenting faith.

Shōgun season one is self-rated by Disney+ 16 for violence, offensive language, and content that may disturb. Our impact guide covers the strongest content in the series so you know what to expect before pressing play.

Why did Furiosa: A Mad Max Saga get this classification?

R16: Violence, cruelty and content that may disturb

Furiosa tries to get back home after her life is upended by the nomadic warlord Dementus.

This film was classified by the Office and received an R16 with content warnings for violence, cruelty and content that may disturb. Read our breakdown of the classification.

Why did The Idea of You get this rating?

13: Sexual themes, offensive language

Based on the contemporary love story of the same name, The Idea of You centres on Solène (Anne Hathaway), a 40 year old single mom who begins an unexpected romance with 24 year old Hayes Campbell (Nicholas Galitzine), the lead singer of August Moon, the hottest boy band on the planet.

This film was self-rated by Prime Video and received a 13 with content warnings for sexual themes and offensive language. Read our breakdown of the rating.

Why did Back to Black get this classification?

R13: Violence, offensive language, drug use and sex scenes

A biopic based on the life of UK singer Amy Winehouse. It follows Amy’s musical journey and her relationships with her family, and lovers as she struggles with fame and addiction.

This film was classified by the Office and received an R13 with content warnings for violence, offensive language, drug use and sex scenes. Read our breakdown of the classification.

Why did Fallout get this rating?

16: Graphic violence, cruelty, sex scenes, suicide, drug use, content that may disturb, offensive language, nudity, sexual themes

Set in a post-apocalyptic Los Angeles brought about by nuclear decimation, a young woman leaves the safety of her vault and embarks on a journey into a dangerously unforgiving wasteland full of radiation, mutants, and bandits.

This film was self-rated by Prime Video and received a 16: Graphic violence, cruelty, sex scenes, suicide, drug use, content that may disturb, offensive language, nudity, sexual themes. Read our breakdown of the rating.

Why did Baby Reindeer get this rating?

18: Drug use, offensive language, rape

Struggling comedian and performer Donny tries to get into the comedy scene but soon finds himself in trouble when he becomes the target of a convicted stalker. Feeling trapped, Donny is forced to face not only the situation at hand but also past trauma.

The storyline demonstrates a realistic experience of sexual violence, and this could be shocking and upsetting for viewers who have experienced or know someone who has experienced sexual violence.

This film was self-rated by Netflix and received a 18 with content warnings for drug use, offensive language and rape. Read our breakdown of the 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:

Alarm bells sound over online misogyny, extremist content (1news.co.nz)

Baby Reindeer strikes a painful chord for gay and bi men, and I know why: grooming and rape are common (The Guardian)

The internet is good for you (unless you're a young woman) (Dazed)