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Law Commission call for submissions on Evidence Act review
Te Aka Matua o te Ture | the Law Commission is working on their 3rd and final statutory review of the Evidence Act 2006. The Law Commission has published an issues paper and is currently calling for submissions.
The closing date to make a submission is 30 June 2023.
This Te Arotake Tuatoru i te Evidence Act 2006 | The Third Review of the Evidence Act is looking at a number of issues related to evidence in civil and criminal proceedings.
While the scope of the review does not include the amendments to the Evidence Act made by the Sexual Violence Legislation Act 2021, the review does include key issues related to family violence and sexual violence cases.
The review is also considering te Tiriti o Waitangi, including te ao Māori perspectives on evidence.
Issues Paper 50 provides an overview of the issues the Law Commission is considering for this review and includes questions for feedback. The Law Commission has also published a brief summary of the issues paper.
Key issues related to family violence and sexual violence
Chapters 3, 9, 10 and 14 of the Issues Paper raise key issues related to family violence and/or sexual violence. We highlight these below. However, other chapters of the Issues Paper may be relevant to family and sexual violence cases.
Issues related to victims who are compelled or required to give evidence as witnesses
Chapter 3 of the Issues Papers looks at hearsay provisions, including how these provisions relate to victims of family and sexual violence.
Hearsay is when a statement that is made outside the courtroom, such as a police interview, is offered in court without the witness giving that evidence in person in court. Generally, hearsay evidence is not admitted, and witnesses are required to give their evidence in person. This is so witnesses can be questioned about their evidence and so that a jury or judge can observe the witness and assess the credibility of their evidence. Exceptions to the rule against the admitting hearsay include when the witness is ‘unavailable’ to come to court due to a limited number of reasons (for example, having died or cannot be found).
Courts have the power to compel or require witnesses, including victims of family violence or sexual violence, who are not ‘unavailable’ to give evidence in person in court. The court can issue a warrant for a witness to be arrested and brought to court if they do not turn up to give their evidence. The court can also detain in custody a person who comes to court but refuses to give evidence or answer questions.
In the Issues Paper, the Law Commission notes that the law is unclear about when it is possible for a judge to allow a witness to not give their evidence if they are not 'unavailable', but have a good reason for not giving evidence, for example if there are risks to their safety or wellbeing.
The Law Commission refers to the case, Awatere v R, in which a victim of family violence who did not want to give her evidence was declared a hostile witness, and then left the courtroom in a state of distress. In that case, the judge did not arrest or detain her, and allowed her police interview (a hearsay statement) to be offered by the prosecution as her evidence. The Law Commission is seeking feedback on whether an exception to the general rule of excluding hearsay evidence should be made for similar situations, and if so, what the criteria should be.
The Law Commission also identifies an issue with the absence of guidance about how much effort should be required of Police to find a witness before the witness is declared 'unavailable' and the option to allow hearsay statement is considered. The Commission note that this may become an issue more often as Police increasingly have video recordings of at-incident statements and police interviews. The Commission is asking for feedback on whether specific guidance on this point is needed.
Issues related to witness veracity (general honesty)
Chapter 9 looks at veracity evidence. Veracity is defined in the Evidence Act as “the disposition of a person to refrain from lying.” This refers to whether a person tends to be honest rather than whether their evidence is true. The general rule is that evidence about a person’s history of telling the truth or lying may not be offered unless it is 'substantially helpful' in assessing a person’s veracity.
The Law Commission is seeking feedback on whether a single lie or a previous complaint of violence that did not result in conviction should fall under the veracity rule, and whether guidance is needed on the threshold for 'substantial helpfulness'.
Issues related to propensity evidence about defendants
Chapter 10 looks at propensity evidence (section 43 of the Evidence Act). The Evidence Act defines propensity evidence as evidence "...that tends to show a person’s propensity to act in a particular way or to have a particular state of mind." This tends to be evidence that a person has behaved similarly in the past and raises questions about whether that is relevant to assessing the evidence in a particular case.
The Issues Paper outlines 4 issues in this area, including questions about whether evidence that a person was previously tried but acquitted of similar behaviour (prior acquittal evidence) is too prejudicial to admit and whether certain types of behaviour (for example, sexual offending against children) are so ‘unusual’ that they demonstrate a propensity to act in a certain way. The Law Commission seeks feedback on whether these types of evidence should be admissible.
Issues related to cross-examination of victims of family and sexual violence
Chapter 14 looks at three aspects of the trial process related to cross-examination:
Section 88 prevents questions about the complainant's occupation in sexual cases except with permission of the judge. The Law Commission highlights that research from Elisabeth McDonald identified 2 issues with this section. First, compliance is low and complainants are routinely asked about their employment status. Further, the scope of the section might be too narrow and doesn't include related aspects such as whether a complainant is a student, single parent, beneficiary, or evidence about their education or qualifications. The Law Commission is seeking feedback on these 2 issues. The Commission noted that Elisabeth McDonald suggested changes to section 88 in a select committee submission on the Sexual Violence Legislation Bill, but no changes were made at that time.
Section 92 creates a duty on cross-examining lawyers to ask witnesses about any evidence that they will offer which contradicts the witness’ evidence. The duty is intended to ensure that witnesses are given an opportunity to give their perspective on that evidence. Elisabeth McDonald’s research identified that in some cases the duty is resulting in unnecessarily lengthy and distressing cross-examination and may be failing to promote the fairness to witnesses that is intended. These issues were specifically identified in relation to complainants in sexual cases but may also be occurring in family violence criminal cases. The Issues Paper discusses Elisabeth McDonald's research and Isabel Randell's report That's a lie: sexual violence misconceptions, accusations of lying, and other tactics in the cross-examination of child and adolescent sexual violence complainants (2021).
Section 95 prevents a defendant from personally cross-examining complainants and certain witnesses in cases involving sexual offending, family violence or harassment. In this situation, section 95 also allows the judge to appoint a person to ask questions for the defendant if they are unrepresented (do not have their own lawyer). The Issues Paper highlights there is uncertainty about the interpretation of section 95 and whether the appointed person (usually a lawyer) should only ask the questions that the defendant wants or can also ask the questions they think would be useful. The Law Commission is seeking feedback on whether legislative reform is needed or whether the issue should be resolved through case law.
How to make a submission
The issues paper covers many topics. You do not need to comment on all topics. You can comment on or answer questions on select topics.
You do not need to be a lawyer or legal expert to make a submission. However, given the technical nature of this review, it may be helpful to work with someone who has legal expertise to make sure your feedback has the greatest impact.
The Issues Paper also notes that they "... encourage submitters to provide feedback on both the nature and extent of potential issues in practice as well as preferred reform options. The feedback we receive will be important in our analysis of the case for reform."
To make a submission, you can complete a submission form, or send feedback to evidence@lawcom.govt.nz or by post to The Third Review of the Evidence Act, Law Commission, PO Box 2590, Wellington 6140.
More information
For more information on the review, see the Frequently Asked questions. You can also sign up for updates on this review.
Research from Elisabeth McDonald has looked at these issues. See the following open access books:
In the absence of a jury: examining judge-alone rape trials (2022)
Update: Government responds to final report of Law Commission third review of the Evidence Act 2006
In March 2024, the Law Commission published Te Arotake Tuatoru I te Evidence Act 2006 | The Third Review of the Evidence Act 2006. The Government has since responded, acknowledging the report but making no commitments to address the substantive recommendations made therein. They cited the need for more policy work on this complex area of law and the need to balance the resourcing of such work against the Government’s other priorities.
Related news
Law Commission consultation on restrictions for people at high risk of serious sexual and violent offending
In a separate review process, the Law Commission is looking at the laws that keep the community safe from people at high risk of serious sexual and violent offending. These laws allow the detention or supervision of offenders beyond a fixed-term prison sentence (determinate sentence). For the court to order detention or supervision, the offender must have been convicted of a qualifying sexual or violent offence and present risks of further sexual or violent offending. The Law Commission is reviewing preventive detention, extended supervision orders and public protection orders.
The Law Commission's media release notes:
"The Law Commission’s review was prompted by findings by the United Nations Human Rights Committee in 2017 that the laws governing preventive detention were in breach of the International Convention on Civil and Political Rights. In addition, the Court of Appeal has recently held that ESOs and PPOs breach the prohibition under human rights law against punishing a person twice for the same crime. The decision is currently under appeal to the Supreme Court."
The Law Commission has released an Issues Paper and is inviting feedback by 28 July 2023. The Issues Paper looks at whether the law should be reformed and outlines high-level proposals. The media release also notes that "One important area the Commission is seeking feedback on is whether the law should have a stronger focus on providing therapeutic and rehabilitative treatment to people who need to be detained or supervised."
For more information and a full list of issues that are be considering, see the Public safety and serious offenders: a review of preventive detention and post-sentence orders | Hapori whānui me te tangata mōrea nui: he arotake o te mauhere ārai hē me ngā ōta nō muri whakawhiu.
New information guide for victim-survivors
The Backbone Collective has produced a new resource, Reducing risk and harm when going to Family Court: An information guide for victim-survivors (2023). This guide is designed to inform victim-survivors of family and/or sexual violence about the resources available to help reduce the risk of harm when going to the New Zealand Family Court.
Applications open for Changemakers Fund
The Ministry of Social Development (MSD) has launched a new fund, called the Changemakers Fund. Funding is available for initiatives that promote positive forms of masculinity, challenge harmful gender and social norms, and engage men in healing.
Applications for the Changemakers Fund are due 9 June 2023.
Funding is available for individuals, groups or organisations that are leading change with men in their communities. You can apply for up to $30,000.
The MSD Changemaker Fund application form includes a list of criteria, including "Increases understanding of how gender roles, norms and structures contribute to men’s violence against women." Initiatives need to meet at least 3 criteria to be considered. The full list of criteria is:
- "Engages men in healing and change
- Tells a story of hope and change to other men
- Promotes positive forms of masculinity
- Demonstrates supportive peer relationships
- Demonstrates ways in which men can safely express themselves and grow
- Encourages fathers to be present and engaged with their children
- Gives men permission to safely share, connect and be vulnerable
- Promotes help seeking amongst men in ways that are safe and inclusive
- Offers opportunities for men to learn, practice and create safe relationships
- Increases motivation for men to question their past experiences and behaviours
- Increases community support for safe relationships and positive change
- Increases men’s support for each other to heal, change and seek help
- Increases understanding of how gender roles, norms and structures contribute to men’s violence against women"
The application form highlights that partnering with MSD is a key element.
See the application form for more details.
For questions, contact MSD Senior Advisor Alex Ness at alex.ness003@msd.govt.nz.
MSD also launched a new website, changeispossible.org.nz. It has stories and articles to explore the journey of healing and change.
Feedback invited on Oranga Tamariki disability strategy
Oranga Tamariki has been working on developing a disability strategy. Oranga Tamariki is inviting feedback on the next phase of developing their disability strategy.
Written submissions are due by 9 June 2023.
Individual interviews and group workshops are running now through 13 June 2023.
Oranga Tamariki worked with disabled people, their champions, tāngata whaikaha Māori and care experienced rangatahi to develop a vision and 4 shifts that need to occur. The Vision is:
"The mana of tāngata whaikaha me o ratou toa (disabled people and their champions) is enhanced by meeting their needs, upholding their rights and supporting their hopes and dreams."
The 4 Shifts:
"How we see disability.
Systems work for people.
Disability competent and confident workforce.
Oranga Tamariki is safe and proactive."
Oranga Tamariki has prepared brief documents that give an overview of the vision, shifts and ideas they have heard to achieve the shifts. For a summary see the Oranga Tamariki Disability Vision and Strategy Executive Summary.
Oranga Tamariki has also collected research, reports and feedback from, and about, disabled communities. Oranga Tamariki is sharing this information in research summaries on 5 topics:
- System changes
- Whānau support and connection
- Understanding disability
- Quality services
- Social work practices and policies
The research summaries are available in different formats including New Zealand Sign Language video, Braille ready format, audio file, easy read and large print.
You can give feedback through individual interviews, group workshops or a written submission. Find information and sign up to participate on the Oranga Tamariki website.
For questions email disability.strategy@ot.govt.nz.
You can also sign up for regular updates from Oranga Tamariki on their work to develop a disability strategy.
Update: The Strategy has been approved by the Orangat Tamariki leadership team and Oranga Tamariki is focusing on implementation.
Related research
Te Kāhui Tika Tangata | The Human Rights Commission previously published two reports about the experiences of violence and abuse among tāngata whaikaha Māori and disabled people. The reports, Whakamanahia Te Tiriti, Whakahaumarutia te Tangata (Honour the Treaty, Protect the Person, 2021) and Whakamahia te Tūkino kore Ināianei, ā Muri Ake Nei (Acting Now for a Violence and Abuse Free Future, 2021), outline the evidence on the causes and impacts of violence including racism and colonisation, and abuse against tāngata whaikaha Māori and disabled people. The reports outline gaps in systems, knowledge and services and set out a roadmap for systemic change. Together the reports make 20 recommendations.
The Donald Beasley Institute produced the literature review, Good practice for disabled tamariki and rangatahi in care (2022) for Oranga Tamariki. Drawing on information from Aotearoa and overseas, the literature review centres Te Ao Māori, rights based, and social models of disability and responds to the Oranga Tamariki goals of improving outcomes for disabled tamariki who may require a care and protection placement.
Related news
Prudence Walker has been appointed as the new Kaihautū Tika Hauātanga Disability Rights Commissioner at Te Kāhui Tika Tangata | Human Rights Commission. Read more about Prudence's background in the media release from Te Kāhui Tika Tangata | Human Rights Commission.
The National Collaborative for Restorative Initiatives in Health has released a new national framework designed to support the health and disability sector to mitigate and respond to health care harm in Aotearoa New Zealand.
The UN Special Rapporteur on the rights of persons with disabilities, Gerard Quinn, issued a report on the Transformation of services for persons with disabilities (A/HRC/52/32) in January 2023. The report presents a "...thematic study on reimagining services in the twenty-first century to give effect to the right of persons with disabilities to live independently and be included in the community." In launching the report, the UN Special Rapporteur said:
“States and societies at large must move away from systems that were historically built to provide a material safety net and relegate persons with disabilities to the margins of society.”
Related media
Social education course teaches love, friendship, Otago Daily Times, 25.05.2023
Disabled Ministry plans for up to 2500 new carer employees, Newsroom, 22.05.2023
Government increases support to disabled people, Beehive media release, 18.05.2023
Why people with disability get caught in a poverty trap, The Spinoff, 15.05.2023
Prudence Walker unveiled as new Disability Rights Commissioner, Stuff, 12.05.2023
Enabling New Zealand Sign Language to thrive, Beehive media release, 08.05.2023
Govt seeks assurance over claims disability funding system breaks law, Newsroom, 26.04.2023
Boost to disabled voice as system gears up for transformation, Beehive media release, 12.04.2023
Budget 2023
Funding for family and sexual violence
The Government made a pre-Budget announcement of $73.48 million for family violence and sexual violence initiatives. This funding aligns with Te Aorerekura priorities, across 3 focus areas: learning and monitoring, increasing equity by addressing key service gaps and enabling community leadership. Just over half of the funding is allocated to initiatives for tangata whenua, disabled people and children and young people. See the summary of initiatives and the summary on a page from Te Puna Aonui for the details.
The Ministry of Social Development (MSD) has published Budget 2023 factsheets which provide more details. There are factsheets for several of the family and sexual violence initiatives including Child Advocates, Online Help Tools, Kaupapa Māori Sexual Violence Services, Multi-Disciplinary Family Harm Approach in Counties Manukau and Services for Disabled People.
Considering Gender in Budget 2023
For the first time, Budget 2023 includes a gender budgeting snapshot. It highlighted that:
“Gender budgeting is a powerful tool for understanding how and to what extent people will be affected differently by initiatives depending on their gender. Applying a gender lens ensures that budgets can support a gender-equitable, inclusive future and do not embed inequalities further.”
15 agencies (triple the number of last year’s pilot) participated in the Gender Budgeting exercise this year. Manatū Wāhine | Ministry for Women supported these agencies to think about potential impacts on women and girls, particularly for Māori, through a Gender Budgeting Toolkit. The Budget 2023 gender budgeting snapshot highlights how this influenced several of the Budget 2023 initiatives.
Researchers from the Public Policy Institute and University of Auckland also highlight how Gender Budgeting helped ensure the benefits of government investments wouldn’t bypass women. They noted:
“This is an important addition to the budget process. The aim is to secure the wellbeing of diverse groups of women, underline structural inequalities, and avoid unintended negative consequences of investment decisions.”
95bfm interviewed the Director of the Public Policy Institute, Jennifer Curtin, about the inclusion of gender budgeting in this year's budget planning process.
In addition to considering gender, the wellbeing approach to Budget 2023 focuses on the wellbeing of Māori, Pacific peoples, children and the environment.
Update: Manatū Wāhine | Ministry for Women has provided additional information about gender budgeting.
Update: UN Women published Strengthening public finance management systems for gender equality and women’s empowerment: Promising practices and remaining gaps (June 2023). The report highlights promising practices and remaining gaps on gender-responsive budgeting, showcasing country examples and identifying strategies and entry points for more effective gender mainstreaming in policy setting, budget allocation, budget execution, and data transparency.
Other key Budget 2023 initiatives
There are other initiatives funded in Budget 2023 that relate to family violence and sexual violence, as well as children, young people, family and whānau wellbeing. We've highlighted some key initiatives below and reference the page number in the Budget 2023 Summary of Initiatives by Vote.
- 6.5 FTE to handle the higher than expected number of applications to the Criminal Cases Review Commission | Te Kāhui Tātari Ture (page 99)
- extension of Ngā Tini Whetū which supports the wellbeing of hapū māmā, pēpē and whānau in their first 1,000 days (page 102)
- funding for Whānau Ora Commissioning Agencies to expand services and meet increased demand (page 103); funding was also allocated to Whānau Ora for cost pressure from inflation and wage indexation (page 103)
- continuing multi-stakeholder coordination for 1 year for the Christchurch Call work programme (page 107)
- continuing the Ākonga Fund for a further 2 years for youth development providers to deliver support for at-risk, vulnerable young people (page 109)
- Establishing and maintaining the Children and Young People’s Commission, previously the Office of the Children’s Commissioner (page 110)
- funding for approximately 100 Community Connectors for 2 years to provide short-term support to individuals and whānau to prevent and reduce the impacts of hardship (page 110)
- establishing "...contestable funds to help strengthen the capability, resilience, and diversity of the social sector by funding community, provider, and sector groups, especially those that work with Māori, Pacific and other ethnic communities" (page 112) see the MSD factsheet Growing a Diverse and Resilient Social Sector
There were a number of initiatives under the Oranga Tamariki Vote, include funding related to the Abuse in Care inquiry (pages 104-105):
- progressing the Crown apology and tangible actions for survivors of abuse in care
- continuing Crown progress on the design and implementation of a new redress system for survivors of abuse in care
- funding, held in contingency, for agencies to continue to engage with policy and design work on the redress system
- funding for an interim listening service for survivors of abuse in care
- funding, held in contingency, to improve records processes for survivors of abuse in care
- Also see the initiative related to historic abuse claims under the Social Development Vote (page 114).
In addition to funding for the Whānau Ora system, Budget 2023 funded several initiatives to support tangata whenua related to housing, early childhood, Te Matatini, Matariki, hauora providers, Māori education and Māori media. See the Beehive media release Māori Budget continues investment in whānau, whare and whakapapa.
A number of initiatives support Pacific communities related to education, job, language and culture. See Minister for Pacific Peoples Barbara Edmonds media release Budget 2023 invests in Pacific wellbeing and prosperity.
Related to disabled people, $21.1 million is allocated to continue work to establish Whaikaha | Ministry of Disabled People and $863.6 million to address cost pressures for Whaikaha to deliver existing disability support services. For more information see the Whaikaha Budget 2023 information and the Whaikaha summary of Disability related initiatives. Also see Minister for Disability Issues Priyanca Radhakrishnan's media release, Government increases support to disabled people.
In addition, there were many initiatives in the Budget focused on addressing cost pressures across a range of areas.
More information
MSD provides an overview of Budget 2023 initiatives related to cost of living and recovery from North Island severe weather events. Also see the MSD Budget 2023 fact sheets and the summary of changes from Work and Income.
The Ministry of Justice recapped the Budget 2022 multi-year Justice Cluster funding approach. This approach allocated funding across a mix of areas spanning 3 to 4 years, including the current year. See our Budget 2022 news story for more information about the Justice Cluster budget approach. Also see the Beehive media release that provides an overview of the multi-year funding approach, New approach on law and order delivers. Also see the Law Society's article Access to justice and Budget 2023. To find new funding allocations, in addition to the Justice Cluster, see the Justice Vote (page 99) and Court Vote (page 86) in the Summary of Initiatives.
Update: Also see the February 2023 Briefing for Incoming Justice Sector Ministers on the Justice Sector Directorate. The briefing includes an overview of the Justice Cluster.
Community and advocate responses
Many community organisations and advocates have commented about the budget:
New initiatives welcome but we need to maintain momentum to lift families out of poverty, Office of the Children’s Commissioner
Budget 2023 brings 'opportunity to strengthen Whanau Ora in Te Waipounamu', Te Pūtahitanga o Te Waipounamu
A positive Budget for the public service and public service workers – PSA, Public Service Association
Women’s Refuge Pleased Government’s 2023 Budget Continues Investment of Family Violence Initiatives, National Collective of Women's Refuges
Social Service Providers Te Pai Ora o Aotearoa reacts to no-frills Budget 2023, Social Service Providers Aotearoa
Budget 2023 won't see our poorest children achieve their dreams, CPAG says, Child Poverty Action Group (CPAG)
Budget 2023: Pasifika Futures allocated $34.5 million to continue serving Pacific families, Pasifika Futures
Rangatahi Advocates Call For Government To Prioritize Young People In Budget, VOYCE
Related media
Government’s work for survivors of abuse in care continues, Beehive media release, 26.05.2023
Budget 2023: The things you might have missed, RNZ, 25.05.2023
Whanau Ora puts ruler across Māori spend, Waatea News, 22.05.2023
Whānau Ora launches new campaign 'Our Future is Māori', Stuff, 22.05.2023
Whānau approach gets Budget boost, Waatea News, 19.05.2023
Wider government pūtea eyed for Whānau Ora, Waatea News, 19.05.2023
Budget 2023: The billions budgeted to maintain the status quo, and retain staff, Stuff, 19.05.2023
Budget 2023: How much was given to Māori?, Te Karere TVNZ [te reo Māori], 19.05.2023
TAHUA2023: Over half a billion dollars for Māori, Te Ao Māori News, 18.05.2023
Budget 2023: Youth advocates want more help for struggling rangatahi, RNZ, 18.05.2023
Hipkins says Māori momentum in Budget, Waatea News, 18.05.2023
Budget 2023 delivers 3000 additional public homes, Beehive media release, 18.05.2023
Government tackles winter, waitlists and workforce, Beehive media release, 18.05.2023
Aotearoa’s ‘hidden heroes’ are being stretched to their limits, The Spinoff, 16.05.2023
Cheaper Childcare: 20 hours free ECE extended to two-year-olds, Beehive media release, 18.05.2023
When $5 at the pharmacy costs us all $2.65 billion, The Spinoff, 09.02.2023
New resources, training, research and projects
Rainbow Violence Prevention Network campaign and projects
The Rainbow Violence Prevention Network (RVPN) Aotearoa New Zealand is hosting a panel discussion on preventing family violence towards Rainbow people in Aotearoa on 29 May to mark the international Rainbow Family Violence Awareness Day. The awareness day started in 2020 in Australia, and is now a global event.
Inspired by the awareness day, the RVPN developed the This Is Us campaign. The This Is Us campaign aims "...to activate rainbow communities, allies and people working in the violence prevention space to take action to support rainbow communities to live free from violence." The RVPN webinar from March 2023 on preventing violence against Rainbow people included an overview of the campaign. A recording of the webinar is available.
To support the campaign, the RVPN has many resources on their website including posters and information sheets. The resources cover the topics of:
- Working with Rainbow Communities
- Rainbow Relationship Resources
- Posters to support the campaign including positive messages, bystander intervention, respectful Rainbow relationships, supporting Rainbow people with disabilities, supporting Rainbow elders and more.
The webinar also highlighted projects that RVPN network members have been working on, including:
- The Rainbow Competency Guidelines Project focused on developing best practice guidelines for primary prevention work with Rainbow communities
- Surveys and literature reviews exploring sexual violence and family violence support services for transgender and intersex people (the first report, Transgender Community Report: Seeking Help for Sexual Violence or Family Violence (2023), from one of the surveys is now available)
- a respectful relationships programme for Rainbow rangatahi.
The Rainbow Violence Prevention Network Aotearoa New Zealand is a national network of individuals and organisations working to address violence in and against rainbow communities including transgender, non-binary, intersex, takatāpui, indigenous and non-heterosexual identities. Network member Rainbow organisations include Inside Out, Outline, Rainbow Youth, Te Ngākau Kahukura, Intersex Aotearoa, Gender Minorities Aotearoa and Rainbow Path. Other network organisations include Help Auckland, RespectEd, Wellington Rape Crisis and Rape Prevention Education.
Sign up to stay up to date with news from the Rainbow Violence Prevention Network.
Online training for family and sexual violence specialists
The April 2023 Family Violence Sexual Violence Update from the Ministry of Social Development highlighted a new online training, Rainbow Safe, for family and sexual violence specialists working with Takatāpui and Rainbow communities. Rainbow Safe was developed by Hohou Te Rongo Kahukura | Outing Violence in collaboration with MEDSAC (Medical Sexual Assault Clinicians Aotearoa). The course is designed for kaimahi working in specialist services, as well as policy makers, service managers and people interested in understanding more about family, partner and sexual violence in Rainbow communities. Find more information about accessing the training from Hohou Te Rongo Kahukura.
New research about experiences of Rainbow young people
The Identify Survey is a study of more than 4700 Rainbow young people, ages 14-26, in Aotearoa New Zealand. The study asked young people questions about a range of areas including emotional wellbeing, home, school, work, community and family, friends and whānau. The Identify Survey Community and Advocacy Report (2022) shares key findings. It highlights that while many Rainbow young people report feeling safe or very safe in their current living situation, about 1 in 20 (5%) reported feeling unsafe or very unsafe and 1 in 5 (20%) reported they sometimes felt safe and sometimes unsafe. Disabled young people and young people who identified as trans and non-binary were less likely to feel safe or very safe, and Asian young people were significantly more likely to feel unsafe than any other ethnic group.
While many Rainbow young people reported positive experiences with their family and whānau, the research also found that "...A quarter of young people are missing out on parental support". Some recommendations from the report included:
- "Work with families and whānau to support young people can focus on both small and large things that they can do to show support
- Providing family/whanau whānau with easy-to-understand information about rainbow young people, the legitimacy of their identities, and the importance of using correct names and pronouns is an important opportunity to increase the proportion of young people who receive this important support
- Providing people with examples and guidance on how to safely stand up for rainbow young people is another important opportunity to improve young people’s safety and support"
The Youth Health and Wellbeing Survey called What About Me? (2022) also found that Rainbow and disabled young people were less likely to report feeling safe at work, school/kura, where they live and in the community where they live.
A number of research briefs and reports from Youth19 Rangatahi Smart Survey have also looked at experiences for Rainbow young people including safety:
- The health and wellbeing of takatāpui and rainbow young people who have been involved with Oranga Tamariki (2022)
- Negotiating multiple identities: intersecting identities among Māori, Pacific, Rainbow and disabled young people (2021) and the related Rainbow rangatahi Māori: a Youth19 brief, the Pacific Rainbow young people: a Youth19 brief, the Rainbow young people with a disability or chronic condition: a Youth19 Brief, the Youth19 brief: transgender and diverse gender students and the Youth19 brief: same-and multiple-sex attracted students.
Other recently published research related to Rainbow young people includes:
- Growing up in New Zealand Snapshot 1: Ethnic and gender identity at 12 years old (2023)
- Young people’s experiences of identity abuse in the context of family violence: A Victorian study (2023) from the Monash Gender and Family Violence Prevention Centre in Australia
- Letting In/“Coming Out” – Agency and Relationship for Young Ethnic Queers in Aotearoa New Zealand on Disclosing Queerness (2023) published in LGBTQ+ Family: An Interdisciplinary Journal
- Love, sex, and other dangers – intimate partner relationships of young ethnic queers in Aotearoa New Zealand (2023) published in the journal Sexualities
- Rainbow children in care: Understanding how Oranga Tamariki can better support rainbow children and youth (2023) from Oranga Tamariki
Resources for parents of Rainbow Young people
New resources have been developed to support parents, family and whānau of Rainbow Young People:
The Rainbow Support Collective published an illustrated resource for parents of transgender children called Storm Clouds and Rainbows – The Journey of Parenting a Transgender Child in December 2022. The Rainbow Support Collective is a collaborative effort between rainbow-led support organisations across Aotearoa. It includes Dunedin Pride, Burnett Foundation Aotearoa, Qtopia, RainbowYOUTH, Te Ngākau Kahukura, Rainbow Hub Waikato, InsideOUT, Q Youth, Intersex Aotearoa, OutLine Aotearoa and Gender Minorities Aotearoa. Also see the Be There website and awareness campaign designed for parents and whānau of trans, non-binary, takatāpui, queer, intersex, and Rainbow young people. The campaign aims to support parents and whānau to be more inclusive, affirming and safe.
Intersex Aotearoa published the 2 page guide, Your Child is a Taonga: A support guide for whānau and family of rangatahi with variations of sex characteristics (VSC).
Counting Ourselves partnered with Te Ngākau Kahukura to publish a fact sheet on Listening to and Supporting Trans & Non-Binary Young People (2022). It shares findings from the Counting Ourselves 2018, health survey by and for trans and non-binary people living in Aotearoa New Zealand.
We have previously highlighted the Kids and Gender toolbox co-developed by White Ribbon, Hohou Te Rongo Kahukura – Outing Violence and Rainbow Hub Waikato.
Related news
Update: Findings from the Takatāpui and Rainbow Elder Voices project will be shared at the Cross Agency Rainbow Network conference 1-2 June 2023 in Christchurch. Elder Voices is a project to find out about life for Takatāpui and Rainbow Elders, developed by Hohou Te Rongo Kahukura and Rainbow Hub Waikato. Other conference presentations include preliminary findings from the Counting Ourselves: Trans and Nonbinary Health Survey and the Working to End Racial Oppression (WERO) projects, as well as conversion therapy, Rainbow and Takatāpui young people and Rainbow disabled people.
The book, Honouring Our Ancestors: Takatāpui, Two-Spirit and Indigenous LGBTQI+ Well-Being, will be published in June 2023. The book features chapters written by writers from Aotearoa and Turtle Island (Canada and the United States of America) on well-being of takatāpui, two-spirit, and Māori and Indigenous LGBTQI+ communities. The collection is inspired by two research projects including the Honour Project Aotearoa, which investigated Kaupapa Māori strengths-based understandings of the health and well-being of takatāpui and Māori LGBTQI+ communities. Also see the Honour Project Pūrākau | Digital Stories.
The UN Independent Expert on sexual orientation and gender identity is calling for inputs to inform a report to the 78th session of the United Nations General Assembly to the issue of the historic and ongoing impacts of colonialism on the enjoyment of human rights by lesbian, gay, bisexual, trans and gender diverse (LGBT) persons. The inputs are limited to 2500 words, and the call for inputs outlines 10 questions from UN Independent Expert. The closing date to submit inputs is 26 May 2023.
Related media
Pukapuka celebrates beautiful family, Waatea News, 15.06.2023
The Side Eye: The trans tipping point, The Spinoff, 02.05.2023
Kiwi kids have strong sense of ethnic, gender identity, study shows, Stuff, 05.04.2023
Survey highlights 'major concerns' for the wellbeing of LGBTQIA+ young people, Stuff, 08.12.2023
Budget 2023 family violence and sexual violence funding
Marama Davidson, Minister for the Prevention of Family Violence and Sexual Violence, and Priyanca Radhakrishnan, Minister for Disability Issues, announced in a pre-budget statement that Budget 2023 will include $73.48 million for family violence and sexual violence.
The funding aligns with Te Aorerekura priorities, spread across three main focus areas: learning and monitoring, increasing equity by addressing key service gaps and enabling community leadership. Just over half of the funding is allocated to initiatives for tangata whenua, disabled people and children and young people.
Te Puna Aonui has published a one page summary of the Budget 2023 funding for family violence and sexual violence. It outlines the following:
- Building a monitoring, evaluation and learning function ($3.994 million over 4 years)
- Kaupapa Māori specialist sexual violence services for whānau ($8.603 million over 3 years)
- Safeguarding adults at risk and disabled people from violence and abuse ($6.110 million over 4 years)
- Accessible family violence and sexual violence services for disabled people ($3.419m million over 2 years)
- Child advocates to support children in Women’s Refuges ($5.997 million over 4 years)
- Family dispute resolution – child participation cost pressure ($5.334 million over 4 years)
- Court support for tamariki and rangatahi witnesses in sexual violence proceedings ($7.049 million over 4 years)
- Family violence help portal ($10.055 million over 4 years)
- Improved access to family violence programmes in court and the community ($20.089 million over 4 years in Vote Courts and $0.909 million over 4 years in Vote Corrections)
- Enabling a multi-disciplinary family harm approach in Counties Manukau ($1.920 million over 2 years)
For more information see the Te Puna Aonui full Summary of Initiatives for Budget 2023 and Budget investments 2023 on the Te Puna Aonui resources webpage.
Update:
The Ministry of Social Development has also published Budget 2023 factsheets which provide more details. There are factsheets for several of the family and sexual violence initiatives including
- Child Advocates to Support Children in Women’s Refuge
- Family Violence Online Help Tools
- Kaupapa Māori Specialist Sexual Violence Services for Whānau
- Enabling a Multi-Disciplinary Family Harm Approach in Counties Manukau
- Accessible Family and Sexual Violence Services for Disabled People.
The Government will announce Budget 2023 on 18 May 2023.
Related news
The 2023 Annual Te Aorerekura Hui is taking place on 14 June 2023. The theme is Ako tahi: Learning together. The event will be in-person in Wellington and online. The Te Puna Aonui website says "The Hui is focused on how we are learning together and monitoring progress. It will bring together tangata whenua leaders, specialists from the family violence and sexual violence sectors, people from across our communities, with government officials and Ministers." Visit the Te Puna Aonui webite to see the programme and register for the Hui. For questions, contact Te Puna Aonui at TeAorerekuraHui@tepunaaonui.govt.nz.
In April 2023 Justice Minister Kiritapu Allan announced work related to improving the justice system response for victims of family violence and sexual violence. Minister Allan's statement highlighted the Government's plans to introduce a bill before the election that would address sexual violence against children, litigation abuse in family proceedings and giving greater choice to victims of sexual violence around name suppression decisions. She also noted that the Government will launch 3 pilot programmes in mid-2023:
"...to improve safety and help navigate the court system for victims of serious crime; strengthen support for child victims of sexual violence; and ensure victim’s views are provided in bail decisions."
The statement also noted that further funding would be provided for Victim Support and the Victims Assistance Scheme. The statement noted that funding for these measures would come from Budget 2022. It also noted that "Today's measures form the first tranche of the three-year work programme to develop a Victims Operating Model" that was announced in Budget 2022. See the related media below for responses from advocates and more information.
Update: The cabinet paper Better Outcomes for Victims: Work programme was proactively released.
Related media
Mama Hooch sexual assaults: Name supression lift 'important' for victims, one says, RNZ, 26.05.2023
Cash boost in Budget to help stamp out family and sexual violence, The Post, 15.05.2023
Disability Rights Commissioner appointed, Ministry of Justice media release, 12.05.2023
Prudence Walker unveiled as new Disability Rights Commissioner, Stuff, 12.05.2023
Corrections takes on family violence strategy, Waatea News, 09.05.2023 (also listen to the Waatea News interview with Minister Marama Davidson)
New Bill seeks to strengthen sex abuse victims' rights within justice system, RNZ, 21.04.2023
Kiri Allan promises law change to stop courts being used to abuse, Stuff, 21.04.2023
New report and action plan on Pacific child wellbeing
Moana Connect launched a new report and action plan addressing Pacific child wellbeing at the Pacific Child Wellbeing Conference in March 2023.
The report, Tamaiti ole Moana 2033: Towards 2033 – a 10-year action plan, focuses on 4 areas:
- "Healthy, secure, and appropriate housing for families
- Sufficient family income to provide for the children
- Access to affordable and appropriate healthcare for the children
- Access to education that connects to the children’s cultures."
The authors drew on decades of research, community provider experience and existing strategy development and policies to look at opportunities to improve Pacific child wellbeing. The authors took a strengths-based approach, highlighting Pacific people are young and increasingly skilled and the Pacific community has strong families and communities. Key findings include:
- "Housing is key"
- "Pacific people-led solutions are best"
- "We have the policies and tools we need but they need to be expanded"
- "Government needs to invest in Pacific people providers."
The report outlines 15 recommendations to work towards by 2023. They include:
- "Empower Pacific providers and support Pacific models of care throughout health, social development and Oranga Tamariki/ state care services"
- "Support growth in the Pacific care and health workforce."
Other recommendations address growth and development in Pacific early childhood education, access to health care, pay equity and transparency, and a range of actions related to financial security and housing.
Moana Connect Chief Executive Jacinta Fa’alili-Fidow encouraged the government to commit to the action plan and said:
"Most importantly, we need to empower Pacific communities to deliver the solutions. We have an existing range of amazing providers deeply embedded in our communities. We know our people best, so our message to the Government is simple; trust us and work with us."
Paediatrician and Director of Moana Connect Dr Teuila Percival spoke to 531pi about the conference and to 95bFM about the action plan. For more information see the related media below.
Related news
Minister for Pacific Peoples Barbara Edmonds has announced the 2023 Pacific Language week series, saying:
“Pacific languages are a cornerstone of our health, wellbeing and identity as Pacific peoples. When our languages are spoken, heard and celebrated, our communities thrive.”
Pacific Language Week Dates for 2023:
- Rotuman: Sunday 7 May – Saturday 13 May
- Samoa: Sunday 28 May – Saturday 03 June
- Kiribati: Sunday 09 July – Saturday 15 July
- Cook Islands: Sunday 30 July – Saturday 05 August
- Tonga: Sunday 03 September – Saturday 09 September
- Tuvalu: Sunday 01 October – Saturday 07 October
- Fijian: Sunday 08 October – Saturday 14 October
- Niue: Sunday 15 October – Saturday 21 October
- Tokelau: Sunday 22 October – Saturday 28 October.
Find more information on Pacific Language Weeks 2023 from the Ministry for Pacific Peoples.
The Pacific Mental Health Commissioner was launched at the Pasifika Futures Whānau Ora Conference in March 2023. The initiative will be delivered through Pasifika Futures' Ngalu Fānifo mental health service. The purpose of the initiative is to improve mental health and wellbeing outcomes for Pacific people, families, and communities. Pasifika Medical Association and Pasifika Futures Chief Executive Officer Debbie Sorensen said "The priorities for the Pacific Mental Health Commissioner are to invest in people, in services, in gathering evidence, and in our most vulnerable and partnerships."
The Child and Youth Wellbeing Strategy Annual Report (2021/2022) was published in April 2023. This is the second voluntary statutory report. It details progress towards achieving the outcomes in the Strategy. It includes specific information on outcomes for Māori and Pacific children and young people, and for other population groups where data is available. For more information see the media release from Minister for Child Poverty Reduction Jan Tinetti. Find related reports and information on the official website for the Child and Youth Wellbeing Strategy.
Related media
Rotuman community rallies to revitalise language, Ministry for Pacific Peoples news, 08.05.2023
Pasifika: Is this term unifying or stripping Pacific people of their identity?, PMN news, 26.04.2023
Pacific organisations unite to combat alarming child poverty statistics, Tagata Pasifika, 15.04.2023
The four must-haves to reduce Pacific child poverty in Aotearoa, The Spinoff, 29.03.2023
Thousands of new homes needed to improve health of Pasifika children - report, Stuff, 29.03.2023
10-year plan for Pacific children’s health – Expert Reaction, Science Media Centre, 29.03.2023
Aotearoa leads way in language advocacy, Ministry for Pacific Peoples news, 27.03.2023
New agency will offer Pasifika same-day access to mental health services, RNZ, 27.03.2023
NZ Pasifika leaders gather for Pasifika futures conference, RNZ, 25.03.2023
News from E Tū Whānau
The latest pānui from E Tū Whānau announced the 2023 E Tū Whānau Rangatahi Film Awards and highlighted the E Tū Whānau Te Ketepara Kahukura (Kahukura Toolkit).
E Tū Whānau Rangatahi Film Awards 2023
The E Tū Whānau Rangatahi Film Awards 2023 were announced at the annual Māoriland Film Festival in March 2023. The awards recognise filmmakers aged 12-25 who have created films throughout the year at E Tū Whānau-sponsored workshops. E Tū Whānau said:
"These film-making workshops bring to life the shared aspirations of E Tū Whānau and Māoriland to empower rangatahi Māori to tell stories from their unique indigenous perspectives, while incorporating the E Tū Whānau values. The workshops also give rangatahi Māori technical skills while opening potential career pathways and boosting their confidence and wellbeing."
The workshops are run by Ngā Pakiaka, the collective of young film-makers behind Māoriland’s rangatahi programme. Ngā Pakiaka now organises the E Tū Whānau Rangatahi Film Awards as well as the programme of rangatahi film-making workshops run across Aotearoa.
The film challenge is open annually to rangatahi Māori aged 12 – 25 who create a film that responds to one of E Tū Whānau’s values – aroha, whakapapa, whanaungatanga, kōrero awhi, tikanga and mana manaaki.
Watch the 2023 award winning films online. The E Tū Whānau Rangatahi Film Awards 2023 winners are:
Te Ihorei – E Tū Whānau Rangatahi Filmmaker of the Year: ‘Elections for Dummies’ – Te Paea Parengaio (Tūranganui-a-Kiwa)
Pepa kotikoti kōhatū – Best Edit: ‘Reporting aLive’ – Te Aroha Harrison (Tūranganui-a-Kiwa)
Te Ahikā – Best Performance: ‘Moana St’ – Maaria Gaby-Heke (Ōtaki)
Wai Ora – Best Use of Theme: ‘Hunting Aotearoa’ – Team Hunting Aotearoa (Rotorua)
Te Tino Whakaataata – Best Drama: ‘Kia Kaha’ – Tiare Ruawai (Whakatāne)
Pakipūmeka Mātua – Best Documentary: ‘Ngā Hua o Matakaoa’ – Mokena Delamere (Te Araroa)
Te Kaitohutohu Toa – Best Documentary: ‘Ruataniwha’ – Awatea Broederlow (Te Araroa)
Rangatahi Leader: Matariki Black
For more information see the 10th E Tū Whānau Rangatahi Film Awards to Be Celebrated At Māoriland Film Festival news story from the Māoriland Film Festival.
E Tū Whānau Te Ketepara Kahukura (Kahukura Toolkit)
E Tū Whānau supports positive community-led change by empowering whānau and communities, and respecting and uplifting mana. E Tū Whānau Kahukura are the people who inspire change in whānau and communities. E Tū Whānau held online wānanga in March 2023 to empower and connect community leaders.
The workshop included inspirational speakers, and sessions facilitated by E Tū Whānau kaimahi with rōpu of Kahukura in digital break-out rooms. These break-outs focused on the E Tū Whānau resources available to support Kahukura mahi, including Te Ketepara Kahukura (Kahukura Toolkit) developed specially to support positive community-led transformations.
The Toolkit is designed to help Kahukura:
- "take action and lead change
- support whānau and communities
- spread the message about E Tū Whānau
- build knowledge around key issues and contexts."
It includes resources from E Tū Whānau:
- "About E Tū Whānau
- E Tū Whānau Kahukura
- Change starts with you
- About E Tū Whānau Charter of Commitment
- Charter of Commitment printable poster
- About E Tū Whānau values
- Our Ancestors enjoyed loving whānau relationships
- Māori values help to protect whānau
- How our people are doing."
Te Ketepara Kahukura also has links to videos and readings for inspiration and new perspectives on community leadership, race relations, and mātauranga Māori.
See more information about E Tū Whānau Kahukura and Te Ketepara Kahukura (see the right side of the webpage for Te Ketepara Kahukura).
For more news from E Tū Whānau read their Pānui Paengawhāwhā 2023 and sign up for their pānui mailing list.
Related news
Linda Tuhiwai Smith has published a series of illustrated books for tamariki. The books explore a range of issues to help tamariki understand and process trauma. The books cover topics including domestic violence, child abuse, suicide of a sibling, death of a baby and a mother’s long term illness. The books are available from the publisher, Huia Publishers. Waatea News interviewed Linda about the books.
The report Critical factors for child wellbeing in the first 1000 days: Te Ao Māori evidence brief (2023) looked at the research on ways to positively influence and grow capacity for māmā hapū, pēpi, tamariki, and whānau. The research and report were completed by academics from the University of Waikato and University of Auckland including Nikki Barrett (Ngāti Hauā, Ngāti Porou), Dr Sarah-Jane Paine (Tūhoe), Professor Lisette Burrows, Professor Polly Atatoa Carr and Professor Susan Morton. The authors identified 4 key factors that support tamariki wellbeing in the first thousand days:
- interventions that have a holistic or whānau-led approach taking into account wider issues
- Māori led, Māori controlled and kaupapa Māori interventions
- involving end-users in developing and improving interventions
- including Māori providers in identifying what success looks like.
The brief concludes with 7 recommendations including providing adequate resourcing, support knowledge sharing through shared networks and knowledge systems, reorient service funding and measures and "Recognise and prioritise the importance of interventions with a Māori whakapapa as opposed to deferring to international “gold standard” interventions." The brief was commissioned by the Social Wellbeing Agency following their previous report Academic perspectives on wellbeing.
Related media
How trauma affects children and how to talk about it, RNZ, 11.05.2023
Children’s waiata embrace te reo, Waatea News, 01.05.2023
Waiata anthems drop for NZ Music Month, Waatea News, 01.05.2023
New Preventing and Countering Violent Extremism Fund
The government set up the Preventing and Countering Violent Extremism Fund to support community and civil society organisations to deliver initiatives that counter and build resilience to violent extremism and radicalisation in Aotearoa New Zealand.
The closing date to apply for funding is 17 May 2023.
The Preventing and Countering Violent Extremism Fund has 4 priority areas:
- "develop and deliver initiatives and/or resources that support individuals on a path of radicalisation to violence from further harm
- develop and deliver positive online interventions that make online spaces safer and mitigate the risk of radicalisation
- address and challenge harmful ideas, messages of hate and intolerance that promote violent extremism
- build capability within community organisations to recognise and respond to radicalisation."
Organisations can apply for grants up to $50,000. The grants can be used for:
- "support the disengagement of individuals from violent extremism
- promote positive online interventions
- build understanding of radicalisation and engagement with extremist ideologies in New Zealand
- normalise early intervention and prevention initiatives that address the root causes of radicalisation
- promote counter-extremist narratives
- provide training and development to build understanding of radicalisation and extremism in the workforce."
The Department of Prime Minister and Cabinet (DPMC) is hosting 2 webinars about the fund on 18 April and 2 May 2023.
Background information
The National Collective of Independent Women’s Refuges (NCIWR) wrote a submission on the links between violent extremism and intimate partner violence in April 2022. For more research, reports and background about the links between gender based violence and extreme violence, see our related news stories below and search our library under extremism.
Related news
Inclusive Aotearoa Collective Tāhono (IACT), Amnesty International Aotearoa New Zealand, and Tohatoha have joined together to create the Coalition for Better Digital Policy. The Coalition is focused on online safety and specifically improving the Code of Practice for Online Safety and Harms. The Code was developed by several transnational digital platforms (e.g. Google, Meta, Amazon, Twitter) and NetSafe, and is now hosted by NZTech. Advocates have continued to raise concerns about the accountability and effectiveness of the Code. The governance structure and some members of the Oversight Committee for the Code have recently been confirmed.
The government is developing a Preventing and Countering Violent Extremism (PCVE) Strategic Framework. This work is being led by DPMC. The Strategic Framework is expected to be finalised in 2023.
Former Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern has been appointed Special Envoy for the Christchurch Call. The role will represent Aotearoa New Zealand’s ongoing commitment in working towards greater protection online from terrorist and violent extremist content. The Christchurch Call is a global community of over 120 governments, online service providers, and civil society organisations acting together to eliminate terrorist and violent extremist content online. Following a summit of leaders from the Christchurch Call in New York in September 2022, the Co-Chair Statement Christchurch Call Leaders’ Summit was issued. This statement includes acknowledgement of the links with misogyny and gender-based hatred and violent extremism, with the leaders endorsing (among other points):
"Recognizing that there are demonstrated linkages between targeted violence and online hate-based movements and ideologies, including, for example, online misogyny, gender-based hatred, and other hate-based, discriminatory prejudices, deepen the evidence base on the links between these factors as potential vectors for terrorism and violent extremism."
UN Women, as part of its Joint Programme on Violence against Women Data with the World Health Organization, brought together experts in November 2022 to develop a common global definition of technology-facilitated violence against women. The report, Expert Group Meeting report: Technology-facilitated violence against women: Towards a common definition (2023), summarises the main points from the meeting, proposes a common definition and explains the rationale behind the definition.
The 67th Session of the Commission on Status of Women (CSW) took place in March 2023 in New York. The priority theme was Innovation and technological change, and education in the digital age for achieving gender equality and the empowerment of all women and girls. The CSW67 Agreed Conclusions call on states to take action on 8 areas. Under Preventing and eliminating all forms of violence, including gender-based violence that occurs through or is amplified by the use of technologies, there are 12 recommendations (see pages 24-26). UN Women highlighted that CSW67 "...expressed grave concern about the continuity and interrelation between offline and online violence, harassment and discrimination against women and girls and condemned the increase of such acts." The Women's Rights Caucus, a global coalition of more than 200 feminist organisations, welcomed the Agreed Conclusions and noted "In particular, we are encouraged by several references to adolescent girls throughout the CSW text, including Member States’ recognition that adolescent girls are part of the most digitally connected generation in history and can disproportionately face discrimination and violence that occurs through or is amplified by the use of technology." In Minister for Women Jan Tinetti's speech to the CSW, she said:
"Global efforts to eliminate gender-based violence and discrimination must focus on the rising misogyny and misinformation expressed online. Improving online safety will also improve women and girls’ ability to fully participate in political and public facing roles.
We are working domestically and internationally to ensure collective action and the enhancement of human rights protection online. Last year, we were pleased to join the Global Partnership for Action on Gender-Based Online Harassment and Abuse. We are also proud co-leaders of the Christchurch Call and thank you for your crucial support in eliminating terrorist and violent extremist content shared online."
Related media
New laws passed to reduce terrorism risk and keep community safe, Beehive media release, 04.05.2023
SIS identifies several spies in NZ, Newsroom, 05.04.2023
Co-chair of CH Call Advisory Network on Ardern's appointment, RNZ, 05.04.2023
How an absolutist approach to free speech is obscuring hate speech, Stuff, 23.03.2023
Opinion: Incel violence is more male supremacist crimes against women, NZ Herald, 15.03.2023
All but one online take-down notice ignored, Newsroom, 20.02.2023
Women and the alt-right in New Zealand, The Spinoff, 20.02.2023
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