Story: Contraception and sterilisation

Mazengarb report

Mazengarb report

A clerk at a Social Security district office distributes copies of the Mazengarb report along with the family benefit in November 1954. The report, sent to every New Zealand home, was sparked by a teenage sex scandal in Lower Hutt. The report led to stricter censorship and restrictions on contraceptive advice to young people. On contraceptives, the report stated that 'no responsible father or mother would countenance their possession by their young sons and daughters'.

Using this item

Alexander Turnbull Library, Evening Post Collection (PAColl-0614)
Reference: PAColl-1551-1055

Permission of the Alexander Turnbull Library, National Library of New Zealand, Te Puna Mātauranga o Aotearoa, must be obtained before any re-use of this image.

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How to cite this page:

Jane Tolerton, 'Contraception and sterilisation - Information about contraceptives', Te Ara - the Encyclopedia of New Zealand, http://www.TeAra.govt.nz/en/photograph/26999/mazengarb-report (accessed 29 March 2024)

Story by Jane Tolerton, published 5 May 2011, reviewed & revised 7 Dec 2018