ECPAT NZ works with Aotearoa Government’s Department of Internal Affairs (DIA), who lead the national response to prevent the spread of child sexual abuse material (CSAM). We sit on the Independent Reference Group for the DIA operated Digital Child Exploitation Filter. This group was established by the DIA to maintain oversight of the operation of the Digital Child Exploitation Filtering System and to ensure it is operated with integrity and adheres to its Code of Practice principles. This filter system is the Government’s primary preventative measure against CSAM. Websites can be blocked, material followed up by investigators, potential offenders can seek help, and essential data can be provided on users of this content.

ECPAT NZ runs a web-based tool for the anonymous reporting of child sexual abuse imagery and other digital crimes relating to child sexual exploitation (such as trade in child-like sex dolls). This tool allows members of the public to report content to a non-governmental organisation (a noted preference compared with reporting directly to government agencies). These are forwarded to the DIA and followed up by investigators from the DIA and NZ Police as appropriate.

In 2022, ECPAT NZ received 590 reports of CSAM through our web-based reporting tool and provided data to an international investigation.

We are exploring partnership opportunities with ECPAT Sweden and other organisations to support the use of tools that can remove exploitative images and self-generated content that is being used for revenge porn, abuse, and new forms of online bullying.

We assist other non-governmental organisations and government agencies with information on CSAM. This includes contributing to ongoing efforts to extend filter services across the Pacific Islands, as well as providing training and resources to organisations and members of the public on online and digital exploitation.

We advocate for stronger legislation to ban the importation, possession, and sale of child-like sex dolls in Aotearoa. These products are anatomically correct, hyper-realistic replicas of children, sometimes programmed to speak or respond. They are not just disturbing — they represent the commercialisation of child sexual abuse themes. These dolls feed a deeply harmful demand and contribute to the normalisation of sexual exploitation.

There is no credible evidence that child-like sex dolls reduce the risk of real-world offending. In fact, research and frontline experience suggest the opposite — that their use may reinforce dangerous sexual interests and increase the likelihood of escalation. These products are not a form of therapy or prevention. People with concerning sexual interests need access to early intervention and professional support, not reinforcement of harmful behaviour through simulated abuse.

While these dolls are already prohibited imports under Aotearoa’s Customs and Excise Act, legal loopholes remain. Some sellers attempt to disguise their intent by altering certain features or shipping the dolls in parts, but if a product is clearly designed to resemble a child in face, body, or voice, it may still meet the threshold for being objectionable. In 2019, a man in Timaru was convicted for importing a child-like sex doll — a case that set an important precedent but also highlighted the need for clearer, stronger legal tools.

This advocacy ties directly into ECPAT NZ’s broader work to combat CSAM and exploitation. Child-like sex dolls are part of the same ecosystem — one that objectifies children, fuels abuse, and profits from harm. Public vigilance is critical.

We continue to push for robust legislative reform, increased public awareness, and cross-agency collaboration to ensure these products are recognised and treated as the serious child protection issue they are.