Kiwis Learn About Sex At School
New Zealanders are receiving most of their sex education at school, a world-leading sex survey of 16 to 55 year-olds has
revealed.
The 2000 Durex Global Sex Survey, carried out in 27 countries worldwide shows New Zealand goes against the global trend
of learning from friends with more than a third (34%) receiving most of their sex education at school.
Almost a quarter (23%) rely on their peers, while 22% turn to their parents or information.
The survey by Durex, the world's leading condom brand, reveals almost four in 10 Kiwis (35%) have sex between two and
four times a week, with an average of 86 sessions a year. This is more than the Chinese (69) and people in Hong Kong
(84) but less than the Poms (109) and Aussies (98).
"This is the first year New Zealand has been included in the survey and it's the most comprehensive survey ever
undertaken by Durex. We think it's important to investigate the sexual attitudes and behaviour of people across the
globe," said Tim Evans, New Zealand Manager of SSL International, the manufacturers of Durex condoms.
The 2000 Durex Global Sex Survey shows Kiwis lose their virginity at an average age of 17.6, slightly older than the
Aussies (17.4) and British (17.1). However, almost four in 10 (39%) had sex for the first time at or before 16.
And although almost a fifth (19%) have only had sex with one person, the average number of partners for Kiwis is 9.1,
well above the global average of 8.2 and more than the Poms (8.6) but less than the French (16.7), the Americans (11.8)
and the Australians (10.4).
Almost half of the Kiwis surveyed (48%) admit to changing their sexual behaviour because of HIV / AIDS. More than eight
in 10 (87%) use some form of contraception with condoms being the most popular among 34% of adults.
"Condoms are the only form of contraception that help protect against sexually transmitted infections (STIs) as well as
unplanned pregnancies. With a significant number of people failing to consider the risks of STIs we are committed to
continuing our work with healthcare professionals to ensure condoms are widely available and to promote good sexual
health in New Zealand," Tim Evans said.
In New Zealand Durex's health promotion work includes a relationship with FPA New Zealand (The Family Planning
Association).
Gill Greer, Executive Director of FPA New Zealand, said: "As health promotion professionals we welcome this survey and
the snapshot that it gives us into the attitudes and behaviour of a wide range New Zealanders. This kind of research is
very important because it helps us to gauge how our messages are being received."
Gill said she was heartened by the results which showed that globally 16 To 24 year-olds in particular were heeding the
safe sex message. "But with the over 45 year-olds being the least likely to change their behaviour because of HIV AIDS,
we'd hope that older people would follow their example in protecting themselves."
On a lighter note, The 2000 Durex Global Sex Survey shows New Zealanders consider film star Brad Pitt and singer
Jennifer Lopez the sexiest celebrities. While 17% of women choose Pitt ahead of singer Ricky Martin (16%), men go for
singer Jennifer Lopez (16%) followed by tennis player Anna Kournikova (13%). Globally, it's Tom Cruise, Madonna and
Jennifer Lopez who are the sexiest celebrities.
ends
For more information:
Tim Evans or Shannon Huse
NZ Manager Professional Public
Relations
SSL International
Phone (09) 415 3267 Phone (09) 979 2011
Mobile (021) 769 322 Mobile (029) 289
8944
NB: Copies of the 2000 Durex Global Sex Survey Report are available free on request.