Caroline Flora: The Chief Censor Focused on Safety, Not Surveillance

As New Zealand’s Chief Censor, her focus is far more meaningful. She stepped into the role with one clear aim: keeping young people safe from harm.

The Chief Censor is appointed under legislation, holding statutory power to classify content. In everyday terms, her office decides what gets which rating and why. The rules around censorship have not suddenly tightened, but the way her team approaches the work has evolved, reflecting the sheer volume and reach of modern content.

Flora’s path to the role makes perfect sense; she has built a career around protecting the wellbeing of children, young people and whānau. From senior leadership in the health sector to regulatory policy work with the New Zealand Police, she has long been steeped in harm-prevention. Today, she leads a team of 26 with that same purpose at its core.

You can read more about her story here