Family Group Welcomes Political Support to Clean-Up Wicked Campers

Media Release 20th March 2016
Family First NZ is welcoming high level political support to muzzle Wicked Campers.
Family First launched a campaign last month designed to pressure Wicked Campers in to removing offensive advertisements and messages on their vehicles which have been labelled sexist, misogynist and racist. Families have made complaints to Queenstown, Invercargill, Taupo, Timaru, Christchurch, Matamata / Piako, and Thames local councils already, with further complaints to come. Family First has also contacted Disney, Coke, and Pepsi regarding images used by Wicked Campers that bring their brands into disrepute. And politicians have verbally rebuked the company for its offensive messaging.
“Many families have been offended by the offensive signs on Wicked Campers that travel around NZ but have felt powerless to stop them. Finally, politicians are realising that they need to be part of the solution in response to the concerns of families, and that regulations around advertising standards and billboards need to be cleaned up,” says Bob McCoskrie, National Director of Family First NZ.
The Family First campaign encourages families to take a photo of the offending artwork on a Wicked Camper vehicle and then work with Family First to make a complaint to the local Council.
“Families are saying no to offensive moving billboards. We would argue that any public advertising should be G-rated and suitable for children to view. It is vital that families continue to speak up rather than accept offensive material and the sexualisation of girls and women in the media and on billboards and vehicles. Children and families should be protected from offensive advertising and the pornification of our culture,” says Mr McCoskrie.
Family First NZ is calling for the government to review and tighten codes around television advertising, billboards and outdoor advertising, including pre-vetting of advertising to ensure it meets appropriate standards. READ MORE ABOUT THE CAMPAIGN
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