Historically New Zealand has been in Australia's shadow concerning action against the sexualization of children. The Australia Institute's ground breaking 2006 report "Corporate Paedophilia" prompted a 2008 Senate Inquiry and the formation of advocacy group Kids Free 2 B Kids. However, awareness of the issue in New Zealand has now been stepped up a gear, with initiatives by Auckland University and the National Council of Women of New Zealand (NCWNZ).
Child sexualization degrades childhood through for example sexualized clothing for girls, the presentation of children in advertisements as sexual beings and their exposure to sexually explicit music videos. Its effects are far-reaching and include eating disorders, low self esteem and self-justification for sexual offenders.
In December 2009, undergraduates from Auckland University's Gender and Psychology department presented research on child sexualization and strategies for change. The event was unprecedented, undergraduates not normally participating in public events. However the strength of their work was such that Associate Professor Nicola Gavey was determined to provide a forum for the students to speak to a wider audience
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