Understanding the Classification System: New Zealanders' views
In 2011 the Classification Office updated its research on the New Zealand public's understanding of the classification system. This research is important as it allows the Classification Office to gauge how well it is meeting the public's expectations and needs.
In February 2011, research company Colmar Brunton conducted an internet survey of 2000 New Zealanders aged 18 and over on behalf of the Classification Office. The aims of the research were to find out how New Zealanders’ use of entertainment media is changing, to gauge the public’s knowledge and perceptions of the Classification Office and the classification system, and to learn how people make use of the classification system in their day-to-day lives.
people had a good understanding of the system and think the classification office is doing a good job
Four out of five people in this survey had heard of the Classification Office, and 84% were able to correctly name a least one function of the Classification Office. Of the people who had heard of us, 84% said that the Classification Office is doing a 'good' or 'excellent' job.
- The majority correctly defined at least 6 out of the 7 classification labels.
- There was lower understanding of the ‘M’ and ‘RP’ classification labels.
Most people think the system is 'about right'
We asked people to tell us whether they thought the classification system for films and video games is too strict, about right, or too lenient. 69% said the classification system was ‘about right’. More thought it was too lenient (23%), than too strict (8%).
The survey showed that adult New Zealanders are playing games and watching DVDs more often
In 2006, 32% of people were playing games at least once a week. In 2011, that figure rose to 44% playing at least once a week. The number of people who watch DVDs at least once a week also increased to 54% (up from 43% in 2006).
Classifications and descriptive notes continue to be important for people
In 2011, 28% of people gave classifications an importance rating of 7 or higher out of 10 when making viewing or gaming choices for themselves (where 10= very important and 0= not important at all). 42% gave descriptive notes an importance rating of 7 or higher out of 10.
People told us that classifications and descriptive notes are even more important when they are making viewing or gaming choices for young people. In 2011, 65% of people gave classifications an importance rating of 10 out of 10 when making choices for young people, and 58% gave descriptive notes an importance rating of 10 out of 10.
This research included some questions not asked in the previous study
Participants were asked whether they thought that people under 16 should be allowed to watch and play R16 level films and games if a parent gives their permission. The majority of people said no and supported the use of restrictions.
- 66% believe those under 16 should not be able to view films currently classified R16 if accompanied by, or with the approval of, a parent or guardian.
- 74% believe those under 16 should not be able to play games currently classified R16 if accompanied by, or with the approval of, a parent or guardian.
The research also explored whether people want to see a change to the system for labelling video games. Currently, unrestricted games can be sold in New Zealand carrying their overseas classification labels. 71% of participants said that the system should change to that all video games have New Zealand labels.
Find out what New Zealanders think of the classification system (PDF v7.0, 1.33MB)
We did an additional study which involved speaking to people to find out what they want from the classification system
We ran focus groups to further explore some of the topics covered in the 2011 survey. People told us about the benefits of having a classification system, areas where it could improve, and what their ideal classification system would look like.
The main thing they talked about was needing a classification system for guidance when choosing films and games for themselves or young people in their care, and protection from harmful content.
Find out more about what people want from the classification system (PDF v7.0, 659kb)
