Family First NZ is calling on the government to join the Australian government's just-announced plan to introduce legislation to block websites that feature child pornography, bestiality, sexual violence against women, and detailed instruction of crime and drug use.

"Government-commissioned trials in Australia have found that blocking banned material can be accurate and have no effect on internet speed," says Bob McCoskrie, National Director of Family First NZ.

"Laws around the filtering of the internet are a great investment to protect families as internet usage becomes more and more common in NZ homes. The internet should not be left unregulated when it comes to the protection of children."

"Because of the availability, affordability, and anonymity of the internet, we must put as many safeguards in place as possible - and sooner rather than later."

"While parents can take as many precautions as possible, including purchasing computer security products and supervising their children's internet use, the Australian government is not leaving anything to chance and is being proactive in the protection of children and families," says Mr McCoskrie.

Family First is calling on the NZ government to follow suit and urgently provide similar protection to kiwi families.