Sex In The City

3 May 2002

Four life-sized 'sperm' took the safe sex message to Auckland's CBD this week.

Passers-by at the University of Auckland and Queen Street were both surprised and entertained by the 'sperm' contingent, who were 'protesting' against Durex and the effectiveness of condoms.

The 'sperm' are part of a new campaign by Durex that brings the safe sex message to life in a unique and humorous way.

"Our new sperm character is fun and likeable, and is getting people talking about safe sex," says Victoria Potter, Durex New Zealand Manager. "We had a fantastic reception from the public when out on the street, as it's not everyday you see four six-foot tall sperm walking down the road."

New Zealand has notably high rates of sexually transmitted infections (STIs) and unwanted pregnancies. According to the 2001 Durex Global Sex Survey, only 36 per cent of New Zealanders use condoms to protect themselves against STIs and AIDS, and eight per cent use no form of protection at all.

"If we can convince more New Zealanders to practice safe sex with this humorous campaign then we have succeeded," she says.

The appearance of sperm in public is just one component of the larger safe sex campaign for Durex. The sperm character will be seen on television, posters, merchandise and in magazine advertisements. In addition, Durex is undertaking a comprehensive sampling campaign at dance parties and other youth-focused events.

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