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The Government is asking for feedback about Aotearoa New Zealand's adoption laws and systems to help inform how the laws should change.
The closing date to give feedback is 31 August 2021.
The review is asking for feedback on six key issues:
- what is adoption and who is involved
- cultural aspects of adoption (including whāngai)
- how the adoption process works in Aotearoa New Zealand and offshore
- the impacts of adoption
- how the adoption process works where a child is born by surrogacy.
The Ministry of Justice (MOJ) is leading the review. MOJ has published a Discussion Document on Adoption in Aotearoa New Zealand. The Discussion Document states:
"While practice has changed over time, the law is largely the same now as it was when it came into force, reflecting the values and attitudes of the 1950s. It doesn’t reflect modern adoption practices or fully align with the direction of domestic and international human rights obligations. It also fails to promote children’s rights in the adoption process, which can place their wellbeing at risk. There is no acknowledgement of a child’s culture, and the cultural needs and practices of those involved in the adoption process."
The Discussion document outlines 6 objectives for the review:
"1. To modernise and consolidate Aotearoa New Zealand’s adoption laws to reflect contemporary adoption processes, meet societal needs and expectations, and promote consistency with principles in child-centred legislation.
2. To ensure that children’s rights are at the heart of Aotearoa New Zealand’s adoption laws and practice, and that children’s rights, best interests and welfare are safeguarded and promoted throughout the adoption process, including the right to identity and access to information.
3. To ensure that adoption laws and practice meet our obligations under Te Tiriti o Waitangi and reflect culturally appropriate concepts and principles, in particular, tikanga Māori, where applicable.
4. To ensure appropriate support and information is available to those who require it throughout the adoption process and following an adoption being finalised, including information about past adoptions.
5. To improve the timeliness, cost and efficiency of adoption processes where a child is born by surrogacy, whilst ensuring the rights and interests of those children are upheld.
6. To ensure Aotearoa meets all of its relevant international obligations, particularly those in the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child and the Hague Convention on the Protection of Children and Co-operation in Respect of Intercountry Adoption."
Oranga Tamariki will work closely with MOJ and other agencies on the review. The Oranga Tamariki media release notes that "Oranga Tamariki plays a key role in the adoption process, from engaging with birth parents who want to place their child for adoption, to assessing and approving adoptive applicants seeking to adopt both domestically and intercountry, reporting to the Court and responding to requests for information from parties to an adoption."
The media release announcing the review noted that "Targeted engagement with specific communities, including people affected by adoption, will run alongside public engagement."
There will be a second round of consultation in mid-2022 to seek public views on proposals for reform.
The Discussion Document and a Summary Document are available on the MOJ website in alternate formats and different languages.
You can give feedback through:
- an online survey
- by email to adoptionlaw@justice.govt.nz
- Post feedback to: Adoption Law Reform, Ministry of Justice, Free Post 113, PO Box 180, Wellington 6140
Related news
Te Aka Matua o te Ture | The Law Commission is reviewing law related to surrogacy in Aotearoa New Zealand. MOJ noted that "As part of this review, the Commission will look at how the adoption process operates in surrogacy arrangements and consider whether there should be a different process for intending parents to become legal parents." The Law Commission will be consulting with the public on surrogacy in August 2021. For more information see the Law Commission's Te Kōpū Whāngai: He Arotake | Review of Surrogacy website.
Update: The Law Commission has published the final report, Te Kōpū Whāngai: He Arotake | Review of Surrogacy (2022). The Commission concluded that surrogacy law is out of date and acknowledges a pressing need for reform. The report makes 63 recommendations to establish a new framework for determining legal parenthood in surrogacy arrangements and improve surrogacy law and practice.
In June 2021, the Social Security (Financial Assistance for Caregivers) Amendment Act 2021 was enacted to support caregivers looking after children outside of the state care system to access financial assistance.
Related media
Reconnecting adoptees to their taha Māori, Te Ao Māori News, 29.07.2021
Maori adoptions offer lessons for all, Waatea, 28.06.2021
Adoption law update looks at whāngai, Waatea News, 21.06.2021
New Zealand's adoption laws under review, public consultation announced, NZ Herald, 18.06.2021
E Tū Whānau organises annual music and film kaupapa focused on promoting positive change.
New E Tū Whānau Spoken Word Competition
This year, they are launching the inaugural E Tū Whānau Spoken Word Competition on 19 July 2021. People of all ages are invited to submit an original spoken word piece.
The theme for the competition is Ngā Moemoeā – Hopes and dreams for my world, my future, my whānau. E Tū Whānau is inviting entries that voice people’s dreams, and inspire others by calling for positive change.
E Tū Whānau said "Spoken Word creates a space for whānau voices to be front and centre, to tell their own stories and share their dreams for the future." Spoken word poet Te Kahu Rolleston is championing the kaupapa.
The closing date to enter the competition is 13 August 2021.
There are two competition categories:
- Rangatahi for young people 18 years and under
- Open Entry for people 19 years and older.
Entries must be original and show a connection to the E Tū Whānau kaupapa, and the competition theme: Ngā Moemoeā – Hopes and dreams for my world, my future, my whānau. Entries can be in any language, but must be no more than 3 minutes in length.
For more information see the E Tū Whānau website and follow the E Tū Whānau Facebook page.
Update: E Tū Whānau has announced the winners of the Spoken Word Competition 2021.
E Tū Whānau Rangatahi Film Challenge
The 2021/22 Rangatahi Film Challenge is now accepting entries. The challenge is an opportunity for rangatahi to tell their story about what it means to be rangatahi Māori and have their film screen at the next Māoriland Film Festival. The Film Challenge is open to rangatahi Māori aged 12 – 24. Films must be no longer than five minutes and respond to one of E Tū Whānau’s values – aroha, whakapapa, whanaungatanga, kōrero awhi, tikanga and mana manaaki.
Each year E Tū Whānau partners with Māoriland to run the film competition and offer filmmaking workshops for rangatahi across the motu each year. This year workshops are being held in Ōtaki, New Plymouth, Hawera, Ōpōtiki, Whakatāne and Kaitaia.
For more information see the E Tū Whānau Rangatahi Film Challenge on the Māoriland website or follow Ngā Pakiaka on Facebook. Ngā Pakiaka is the rangatahi leadership group of the Māoriland Charitable Trust. They are at the centre of Te Uru Maire – the Māoriland Rangatahi Strategy and are responsible for the Māoriland Rangatahi Film Festival and workshops.
You can view the winning films from last year's E Tū Whānau Rangatahi Film Challenge.
Related media
Talent behind E Tū Whānau spoken word competition no fluke, Stuff, 27.08.2021
Slam poet Te Kahu Rolleston, RNZ, 22.07.2021
Announcing the 2021 E Tū Whānau Rangatahi Film Award winners, Waatea News, 26.03.2021
Talented Northland teens donate $50,000 waiata prize to charity, Northern Advocate, 24.02.2021
The first consultation is focused on strengthening social cohesion. The second consultation is focused on proposals addressing incitement of hatred and discrimination - sometimes called hate speech.
The closing date to give feedback for both consultations is
6 August 2021.
Update: The consultation on social cohesion closing date has been extended to 31 October 2021.
Both consultations are part of the Government's response to recommendations from the Royal Commission of Inquiry into the terrorist attack on Christchurch masjidain (mosques).
When announcing the consultations Associate Minister for Social Development and Employment, Priyanca Radhakrishnan said “Our diversity extends across ethnicity, culture, gender identities and expressions, religion, values and beliefs, ages, disabilities, sexual orientation, and the structure of our families."
Minister for Justice Kris Faafoi said “The context for creating a socially cohesive society in Aotearoa New Zealand is underpinned by Te Tiriti o Waitangi, Te Ao Māori perspectives and the Māori-Crown relationship.
“Building social cohesion, inclusion and valuing diversity can also be a powerful means of countering the actions of those who seek to spread or entrench discrimination and hatred.”
Update: In August 2024, the government announced the conclusion of the coordinated cross-government response to the Royal Commission’s Report into the Terrorist Attack on the Christchurch Mosques. Of the Royal Commission report recommendations, 36 have been implemented and 8 will not be progressing. Find information on the progress and decisions for all 44 recommendations in the Department of the Prime Minister and Cabinet | Te Tari o Te Pirimia Me Te Komiti Matua summary March 15 Royal Commission of Inquiry Recommendations Implementation Status.
Social cohesion consultation
The consultation on social cohesion is being led by the Ministry of Social Development (MSD). MSD is asking for feedback through an online survey about strengthening social cohesion in Aotearoa New Zealand and building a safer, more tolerant and inclusive society.
The background to the survey states:
"Social cohesion is about enabling everyone to belong, participate and have confidence in our public institutions. The Royal Commission acknowledged that while there is a lot of government activity in this area, there isn’t a purposeful and overarching strategy and action plan that shows what the government is trying to achieve, what work is being done and the areas for improvement. They also noted that the voices of communities, civil society, local government, and the private sector have been missing from this work."
The survey asks questions in 4 areas:
"1. What does social cohesion mean to you and what would Aotearoa New Zealand look like if social cohesion was improved?
2. How will we know if we are making progress? What does success look like?
3. We have done a review of the research about what works to strengthen social cohesion – this is summarised as the six ways of building social cohesion. We are keen to know whether these six ways look right to you and whether there are other things that might work.
4. What actions should government take or support to build better social cohesion, and who could be involved in the work?"
The survey is available online in 13 languages and alternate formats including large print, easy read, NZ Sign Language video and an audio version.
You can also provide written feedback by:
- emailing social_cohesion@msd.govt.nz
- writing to Ministry of Social Development, Attn: Social cohesion team, PO Box 1556, Wellington 6140.
Update: The Government has launched Te Korowai Whetū Social Cohesion strategic framework and community fund. The strategic framework outlines actions and outcomes to achieve a central vision of social cohesion in Aotearoa New Zealand. Resources are also available including information sheets, a summary of feedback, a baseline report and a measurement framework. Advocate Anjum Rahman has written article calling for the social cohesion framework to be applied to government first. Minister Radhakrishnan also announced a $2 million community fund to support local and community-based social cohesion initiatives. Te Korowai Whetū Social Cohesion community fund is being administered by the Ministry of Social Development. For more information see the cabinet papers related to strengthening social cohesion in Aotearoa New Zealand.
Proposals against incitement of hatred and discrimination consultation
This consultation is being led by the Ministry of Justice (MOJ). The MOJ consultation webpage states that "An important part of achieving social cohesion is to stand against conduct and language that harms people. We are stronger because of our diversity. Experiences of hatred can make people feel unsafe and unwelcome in the places they should feel at home."
The MOJ Discussion Document explains that the proposals in this consultation relate specifically to speech that incites hatred against a group. It notes
"The proposals and the current provisions in the Human Rights Act focus on speech that ‘incites hatred’ in other people towards a group. Speech that ‘incites hatred’ is abusive or threatening speech that stirs up hostility towards a group of people (rather than being directed at one person) based on a common characteristic they share."
The discussion document further explains that:
" ‘Hate speech’ is a broad term that is not used in Aotearoa New Zealand law. It is generally defined as speech that attacks an individual or group based on a common characteristic, for example ethnicity, religion, or sexuality."
The consultation is asking for feedback on 6 proposals. The proposals focus on strengthening parts of existing law that protect groups from speech that incites hatred and improving protections against discrimination. The MOJ consultation states "The incitement of hatred against a group based on a shared characteristic, such as ethnicity, religion or sexuality, is an attack on our values of inclusiveness and diversity. Such incitement is intolerable and has no place in our society."
The 6 proposals relate to:
"1. Changing the language in the incitement provisions in the Human Rights Act 1993 so that they protect more groups that are targeted by hateful speech
2. Replacing the existing criminal provision in the Human Rights Act 1993 with a new criminal offence in the Crimes Act 1961 that is clearer and more effective
3. Increasing the punishment for the criminal offence to better reflect its seriousness
4. Changing the language of the civil incitement provision to match the changes being made to the criminal provision
5. Changing the civil provision so that it makes ‘incitement to discriminate’ against the law
6. Adding to the grounds of discrimination in the Human Rights Act to clarify that trans, gender diverse and intersex people are protected from discrimination."
The purpose of the proposals is to:
"-Increase the number of groups of people that are protected by the incitement provisions, such as religious groups and rainbow communities
-Make it clearer what behaviour the law prohibits and increase the consequences for breaking the law
-Improve the protections for groups against wider discrimination."
Feedback from this consultation will be used to give advice to Ministers about if and how to change the laws.
MOJ has published a discussion document and summary document in different languages and alternate formats. The consultation webpage also has links to Cabinet Papers.
You can give feedback
- through an online survey
- by emailing humanrights@justice.govt.nz, or
- by post to Human Rights, Ministry of Justice, SX10088, Wellington.
Update: The Ministry of Justice received more than 19,000 submissions during this consultation. The Ministry of Justice published Proposals against incitement of hatred and discrimination: summary of submissions and Making Aotearoa safer and more inclusive targeted engagement: summary of engagement. In November 2022, Justice Minister Kiri Allan announced that a bill would be introduced to make changes to the Human Rights Act to extend protections to religious belief. Minister Allan also announced that the Government has asked Te Aka Matua o te Ture - The Law Commission to undertake a "...review of legal responses to hate-motivated offending, and of speech that expresses hostility towards, or contempt for, people who share a common characteristic. This will include whether further protections should be afforded to specific groups, including the Rainbow and disabled communities." Minister Allan said “Until the Law Commission has done that work, there will be no changes to the definition of groups protected from discrimination, or any changes to how the existing legal regime against incitement operates in terms of thresholds, offences or penalties, as originally proposed.”
Update: The government has released feedback from the submissions from the incitement and hate speech law consultation.
Related Aotearoa New Zealand resources and information on hate speech
The final report from the Royal Commission of Inquiry into the terrorist attack on Christchurch masjidain was publicly released in December 2020. Part 9, Chapter 4 of the final report looks at areas for improvement in New Zealand's legal framework and Police practice to address hate crime and hate speech. In addition, the Royal Commission also published a paper about the concepts of hate speech and hate crime, New Zealand’s current laws and proposals for change.
The New Zealand Human Rights Commission is encouraging all New Zealanders to participate in the consultation. In December 2019 the Commission published a resource on the legal framework governing hate speech - Korero Whakamauāhara: Hate Speech. The resource includes definitions of hate speech and outlines the legal framework in New Zealand and overseas.
Netsafe published research in 2019 about the personal experiences of adult New Zealanders in relation to online hate speech, and comparisons to Australia and Britain.
Related news
The new Ministry for Ethnic Communities was launched on 1 July 2021. The Ministry will continue to deliver the work of the Office of Ethnic Communities, but will build additional functions and influence across the public sector. The media release noted that the priorities of the new Ministry will be:
- "Promoting the value of diversity and improving the inclusion of ethnic communities in wider society
- Ensuring government services are accessible and for ethnic communities
- Improving economic outcomes for ethnic communities, including addressing barriers to employment
- Connecting and empowering ethnic community groups."
The new Ministry is one of the Government's initiatives in response to the recommendations to the Royal Commission of Inquiry into the Terrorist Attack on Christchurch Masjidain. For more information see the new Ministry's website: www.ethniccommunities.govt.nz.
Related media
End to coordinated terror response ordered within weeks, Newsroom, 07.08.2024
Collins causes ‘shell-shock’ in small Christchurch hall, Newsroom, 03.08.2024
Hate speech law too narrow says Kerekere, Waatea News, 29.11.2022
Our rainbow community is under attack, I am asking you to pay attention, Stuff, 27.11.2022
Shaneel Lal: Hate speech ban should extend to queers, women and disabled, NZ Herald, 27.11.2022
A lot has changed since March 15, 2019 – but not enough, The Spinoff, 15.03.2022
‘We work in the grey’: Police grapple with hate crimes, Newsroom, 03.12.2021
Police improves our response to hate crime, NZ Police media release, 02.12.2021
UK study shows link between domestic violence and radicalisation risk, Reuters, 25.11.2021
The makings of a terrorist – and the people who tried to help him, Stuff, 11.09.2021
The potential dangers of pre-emptive anti-terrorist legislation, Stuff, 10.09.2021
Is NZ equipped to rehabilitate those who pose a risk of violent extremism?, Stuff, 10.09.2021
MPs accelerate new terrorism laws, despite protest from Greens and ACT, Stuff, 09.09.2021
Update: Due to Aotearoa's outbreak of Delta in the community, TOAH-NNEST has postponed the bi-annual National Sexual Violence Conference. On the 15 November 2021, TOAH-NNEST will hold a virtual summit to give an opportunity to connect and progress their collective vision of Kua Ea – total elimination of mahi tūkino/sexual violence. On 28-29 March 2022, TOAH-NNEST will host the conference “Ka tūhonohono, ka ānga whakamua” (coming together, moving forward) will be held at Te Papa, Pōneke Wellington.
According to organisers TOAH-NNEST, the theme for the conference is "Ka tūhonohono, ka anga whakamua – Coming together, moving forward – and is based around the well-known whakataukī:
“Nāku te rourou nāu te rourou ka ora ai te iwi”.
“With your basket and my basket, we will sustain everyone”.
The TOAH-NNEST call for proposals notes:
"This whakataukī acknowledges that shared accountability within communities is important because through working together, we can achieve more than we would alone.
The kaupapa of the conference is to bring those working in the mahi tūkino (sexual violence) sector together to whanaungatanga (build relationships), workshop, share knowledge and be informed from specialists in this sector. As an organisation, TOAH-NNEST is founded upon Te Tiriti o Waitangi, the belief that the mahi cannot be done alone and that we must work collaboratively to achieve the total elimination of mahi tūkino."
In particular, proposals are sought that reflect:
- "Kia kaha, Kia maia, Kia manawanui – Be Strong, Be Brave, Be Steadfast
We are seeking exciting and inspiring ideas, approaches, responses to prevention, healing, justice, and community leadership among Māori and Tauiwi. - He waka eke noa – We’re all in this together
We are looking for ideas that can help focus our collective efforts and actions for change to end mahi tūkino."
TOAH-NNEST is seeking presentations and workshops that include an understanding of Te Ao Māori and reflect the diversity of those impacted by mahi tūkino, writing:
"It is hoped that this years’ Conference will provide a unique convergence of networking, learning, inspiring cultural practice, discussions, conversations, and increased knowledge and experience, alongside new and renewed connections."
Proposals should be detailed and can be submitted for one of the following:
- 5 minute oral presentation (including 5min Q&A)
- 50 minute oral presentation (including 5min Q&A)
- 50 minute interactive workshop
For more information see the call for proposals or email svconference2021@toah-nnest.org.nz to request the call for proposals.
Proposals must be submitted by 6 August 2021 to the conference email address svconference2021@toah-nnest.org.nz.
Related media
Study looks to define term of 'rough sex' in the wake of Grace Millane murder, Stuff, 12.07.2021
Louisa Wall on Revenge Porn: 'We need to stop it, because it's not right', One News, 11.07.2021
Claims that sexual violence bill will harm Māori are unfounded, Stuff, 01.07.2021
Te Tūāpapa Kura Kāinga – the Ministry of Housing and Urban Development is seeking feedback to help develop the Government Policy Statement on Housing and Urban Development (GPS-HUD).
The consultation closes on 30 July 2021.
The GPS-HUD will set out the Government's long-term vision for Aotearoa New Zealand's housing and urban development system, and how the Government will work with others to make it happen. It will affect government policy, investment and programmes of work. This will be the first GPS-HUD.
The Government has proposed:
- a vision that "everyone in Aotearoa New Zealand lives in a healthy, secure and affordable home that meets their needs, within a thriving, inclusive and sustainable community"
- four outcomes including thriving communities, wellbeing through housing, partnering for Māori housing and urban solutions, and an adaptive and responsive system
- six focus areas.
The six focus areas include:
- Provide homes that meet people’s needs
- Ensure that more affordable houses are being built
- Support resilient, sustainable, inclusive and prosperous communities
- Invest in Māori-driven housing and urban solutions
- Prevent and reduce homelessness
- Re-establish housing’s primary role as a home rather than a financial asset.
You can find more information on the Te Tūāpapa Kura Kāinga – the Ministry of Housing and Urban Development website including a brief GPS-HUD Summary, a one page summary and a discussion document.
You can give feedback through:
- an online survey
- downloading a word document with the questions from the survey
- email your feedback to hud_gps@hud.govt.nz
For more information see the Beehive media release.
For research and information about the links between family violence and housing, search our library under homelessness or housing.
Update: In September 2021, the government launched the Government Policy Statement on Housing and Urban Development.
Draft Māori Housing Strategy
Cabinet has also approved the development of a draft Māori Housing Strategy to replace the existing 2014 Māori Housing Strategy, He Whare Āhuru He Oranga Tāngata. The new Māori Housing Strategy will be developed in parallel with the GPS-HUD. Te Tūāpapa Kura Kāinga – the Ministry of Housing and Urban Development, Te Puni Kōkiri – the Ministry of Māori Development and Te Matapihi are working together with the Māori housing sector to develop the new Māori Housing Strategy. This work includes plans to host a series of hui to engage with Iwi and Māori housing organisations. The Strategy is expected to be provided to Cabinet for endorsement in August 2021. For more information email TKKOadmin@hud.govt.nz.
Update: In September 2021, the government launched MAIHI Ka Ora - National Māori housing strategy.
Related news
The Government has asked the Productivity Commission to prepare the Terms of Reference for a new inquiry into the drivers and dynamics of long-term disadvantage in people’s lifetimes and across generations. The Productivity Commission website states there are three purposes for the inquiry:
- "creating a clear, coherent and accessible summary of the trends in economic inclusion and social mobility in New Zealand, including the links between reducing persistent disadvantage and higher productivity, economic performance and wellbeing;
- undertaking significant research to generate new insights about people facing persistent disadvantage in New Zealand; and
- assessing what works and developing policy recommendations for breaking the cycle of that disadvantage."
The Productivity Commission plans to consult on the Terms of Reference. To stay up to date with the inquiry, subscribe to the Productivity Commission's updates.
Update: The report, Nowhere to Go: The Benefits of Providing Long-Term Social Housing to Women that have Experienced Domestic and Family Violence (2021), was published by Australian-based Equity Economics.
Update: Te Kahu Tika Tangata / the Human Rights Commission announced that it will hold a national inquiry into housing and launched Framework Guidelines on the Right to a Decent Home in Aotearoa.
Related media
'I was just existing': Woman recalls terror of abuse before she ended up homeless, Stuff, 10.10.2021
Auckland tenant ordered to pay landlord $8k after abusive partner smashed up home, Stuff, 09.10.2021
Housing in New Zealand 'a human rights crisis', UN report says, Stuff, 23.06.2021
The research focussed on online communication between boys and girls and was “framed within a broader context of gender equality and ethics”. It finds that boys are "caught in a net of confusing messages about how to be men" but also how, “given the opportunity to discuss and unpick these messages, boys’ curiosity and good intentions can be supported in ways that potentially free them up to contribute to more ethical and egalitarian norms for behaviour."
The findings from the research are presented in a new report, Shifting the Line (2021).
The research drew on peer group workshops with 54 secondary school boys and young men in Tāmaki Makaurau Auckland, which were designed to get boys and young men to think about gender, equality and ethics. The workshops and research sought to explore new ways of approaching prevention of sexual harassment, violence and abuse, as well as other forms of gendered violence. In the report background, the researchers discussed challenges to effective approaches to engaging boys and men in gender equality and violence prevention writing:
"One key point of contention concerns the efficacy and the risks of approaches that deliberately mobilise masculinity as a strategy to engage men as allies. This approach in essence calls upon men to be good men, by drawing on traditionally masculine qualities such as strength and protectiveness to effectively ‘man up’ to stop violence. While male allies and partners are important in the movement toward gender equality and preventing gender based violence, the problem with such approaches is that they implicitly, and sometimes explicitly, hold in place stereotypes of masculinity that are part of the problem. At best, they only scratch the surface of the degree of change that is needed, and miss a key element of requiring men to reflect on their own gendered position and the way that it sits within hierarchies of gendered power and privilege, as well as those of ethnicity, socioeconomic status, sexuality, ability, and so on."
The report outlines the researchers' approach to change, how the workshops were developed and findings from the workshops with boys and young men. Findings are presented in four areas:
- Masculine norms and their production
- Norms, ethics, and sending nudes
- Onsharing nudes and the art of intervening
- Conversations towards shifting the line
Key findings include that social norms and concepts about masculinity and what it means to be a man can be limiting and narrow. The boys and young men in the workshops recognised these norms and the limitations it places on them, but the research also found that they have limited opportunities to talk about these issues or explore alternatives. Peer groups were identified as powerful influencers on behaviour, which could reinforce negative and abusive behaviour, or provide opportunities and influence positive change.
Based on the findings, the researchers argue that "effective strategies to promote positive change and ethical behaviour should seek to transform collective norms and action, rather than targeting individual behavioural change."
They also recommend that work on positive change should focus on encouraging boys and young men to be 'ethical people' writing:
"Given the unhelpful, and in some cases dangerous, cultural baggage that traditional gender roles carry, we suggest it would be better to inspire boys and young men to be ethical people rather than ‘good men’."
They recommend a first step could be examining how concepts of gender influence structures and impact on peoples' experiences and opportunities.
In their key findings, they highlight that:
"Some boys and young men are interested in talking about these issues – and it is possible to create spaces that build on their curiosity and their commitment to fairness and equality, allowing them to critically reflect on gender norms and develop insights and skills that enhance their readiness to contribute to positive social change."
They note that this is preliminary model that can be used and adapted to promote ethical online behaviour and contribute to gender equality and violence prevention, and they recommend further research. Their final key point highlights that "Supporting even small numbers of boys and men to work together to become change agents has the potential to spark ripples of change that can shift norms of ethical behaviour among peers in the wider cultural context."
Lead researcher and University of Auckland Professor Nicola Gavey said:
“Peer groups are powerful sites for shaping behaviour. As we saw in the case of Roastbusters and all the cases that keep showing up in the media of groups of boys harassing and exploiting girls, peer groups can be hot houses for sexism and gendered harassment and abuse.
“But when peer groups are open to more flexible gender norms and share values around equality and respect, they can also be a powerful site for positive change and supporting ethical behaviour.”
The research was carried out by Nicola Gavey, Octavia Calder-Dawe, Kris Taylor, Jade Le Grice (Ngāpuhi, Te Rarawa), Brandee Thorburn, Sam Manuela, Makarena Dudley (Te Rarawa, Te Aupōuri, Ngāti Kahu), Senuri Panditharatne, Riane Ross, Angela Carr and Robin Murphy.
More information about the research is available on the project website: www.shiftingtheline.ac.nz. There are plans to add the Workshop Guide, videos and other resources to the website.
Kris Taylor, one of the researchers, has been awarded an MBIE Science Whitinga Fellowship for research entitled: 'Boys Talk': Working with boys and young men towards the prevention of gender-based harassment and violence through a series of workshop interventions.
Related media
Calls for sexual consent education to be compulsory in NZ schools, Re:news, 07.03.2022
Consent education needs more than tea, The Spinoff, 02.08.2021
Students, teachers across NZ to be surveyed about sexual abuse and harassment, One News, 05.07.2021
Sexual harassment hits multi generations, with assaults also in primary schools, Stuff, 03.07.2021
Beneath the surface of sexual violence, Newsroom, 02.07.2021
Sexual consent education 'must be in every school', Marama Davidson says, One News, 30.06.2021
Students often stay silent after being sexually assaulted, survey finds, RNZ, 28.06.2021
Alison Mau: Rejecting the man-box will take some mahi from schools and parents, Stuff, 26.06.2021
Schools grappling with sex ed in changing world, Otago Daily Times, 26.06.2021
Sexual assault and fraud most under-reported crimes, new research shows, Stuff, 16.06.2021
'No means no': Christchurch students raise awareness about sexual violence, Stuff, 11.04.2021
Students pushing for better education around sex, consent and rape culture, Stuff, 08.04.2021
When Wellington took to the streets, The Spinoff, 07.04.2021
Students protesting sexual harassment turned back from boys' school by police, Stuff, 25.03.2021
Calls for funding increase for sexual assault prevention, RNZ, 05.04.2021
The aim of the campaign is to help raise awareness about elder abuse and encourage friends, neighbours, and whānau to call the Elder Abuse Response Service (EARS) if they are worried or have questions. The campaign includes two brief videos highlighting examples of financial and psychological abuse (see the videos below).
Diane Turner, Director of the Office for Seniors, said “We want to break down some of the misconceptions out there that might prevent people from speaking out about elder abuse."
The purpose of the new campaign is to generate conversations and get people thinking about what elder abuse looks like. Diane said "I often speak to people who are concerned for someone they know, because things they are seeing just don’t feel right. They just need someone to talk to about their concerns.”
Ministry of Social Development's June 2021 Family Violence and Sexual Violence Service Provider Update highlights the new approach to awareness this year:
"...shifting the focus and messaging towards anyone who witnesses or suspects abuse. We’re encouraging people to call it out when they see it and if they suspect abuse to call the helpline.
We’re not necessarily asking people to intervene themselves. They don’t have to take on that responsibility. But they can contact the service, either to validate their concerns or to bring in specialists who can reach out to the older person."
You can contact the Elder Abuse Response service on 0800 32 668 65, text 5032 or email support@elderabuse.nz.
Age Concern New Zealand statistics show that 79% of alleged abusers were family members and 56% of those were adult children or grandchildren.
Age Concern NZ has called on the government to fund prevention and education. Stephanie Clare, Chief Executive at Age Concern New Zealand, said "The Elder Abuse Response Service is great for supporting the victims of elder abuse, but we need this same investment in education and prevention of elder abuse." She also said "We need to support our EARS workforce with professional development and supervision and educate New Zealanders to prevent this horrific abuse happening in our families and communities across Aotearoa." Age Concern has previously published a Briefing to Incoming Ministers (2020) that outlines priorities for action.
World Elder Abuse Awareness day is recognised on the 15th June every year. World Elder Abuse Awareness Day was officially recognised by the United Nations General Assembly in December 2011. This was in response to a request by the International Network for the Prevention of Elder Abuse, which first started the awareness raising day in June 2006.
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Claudia Mahler, the Independent Expert on the enjoyment of all human rights of older persons, released a statement for World Elder Abuse Awareness Day saying:
“Distressing reports from care homes in different parts of the world showed neglect, isolation and lack of adequate services, including healthcare, social and legal services. Lockdown measures resulted in increases in gender-based violence and higher risks of violence, abuse and neglect of older persons confined with family members and caregivers."
She went on to say:
"These developments undermine older persons’ access to justice and to an effective remedy. Older persons are rights holders whose dignity and rights do not have an expiration date in later life. Access to justice encompasses the right to a fair trial, equal access to and equality before the courts, and the right to seek and obtain just and timely remedies for human rights violations.
Entrenched ageist attitudes further hinder older persons from claiming their rights and undermine their autonomy to make their own choices and decisions.
Lack of detailed information and analysis limits the possibility to reveal patterns of abuse which remain vastly under reported and determine the gaps in existing interventions, as well as to identify concrete action needed to provide adequate protection to older persons."
A panel of international experts from the United Nations, the World Health Organization and other global agencies discussed ways to overcome the barriers to access to justice for older persons who experience violence, abuse and neglect perpetrated by state or nonstate actors, including during the current COVID-19 pandemic. A recording of the panel discussion is available.
The World Health Organization's Global report on ageism (March 2021) notes that "Ageism reduces older people’s quality of life, increases their social isolation and loneliness (both of which are associated with serious health problems), restricts their ability to express their sexuality and may increase the risk of violence and abuse against older people." The report outlines a framework for action to reduce ageism including what strategies work to prevent and counter ageism. Resources to support the Global Campaign to Combat Ageism include a toolkit, the Guide: Initiating a conversation about ageism (March 2021) and the recently published Quick guide to avoid ageism in communication (June 2021).
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'It's not ok': Elder abuse rife in Kiwi families, Magic radio, 13.10.2021
I'm a victim of elder abuse; my abuser was my son, Stuff, 13.08.2021
Elderly couple dies in suspected murder-suicide in Pukekohe, Stuff, 16.06.2021
Campaign shines a light on elder abuse, Beehive media release, 15.06.2021
Age Concern Southland seeing more elder abuse referrals since Covid-19 lockdown, Stuff, 15.06.2021
Elderly woman fights to keep home after daughter's deceit, RNZ, 10.06.2021
Authored by University of Auckland researchers Janet Fanslow, Ladan Hashemi, Pauline Gulliver and Tracey McIntosh, the research shows that a person experiencing emotional abuse at home as a child is nearly three times more likely to experience violence from an intimate partner in later life. Exposure to just one type of adverse childhood experience (ACE), – which includes half of the population – is associated with increased odds of being subject to violence later in life.
The research, published in the journal Child Abuse & Neglect, analysed the responses of nearly 2,900 people who took part in New Zealand’s 2019 Family Violence Survey. International studies have shown links between ACEs and adult experiences of violence, along with worse health for people exposed to multiple adverse experiences.
Adverse childhood experiences include:
- Emotional, physical or sexual abuse
- Witnessing intimate partner violence
- Household substance abuse
- Household mental illness
- Parental separation or divorce
- An incarcerated household member
In the New Zealand study, one out of two respondents reported at least one ACE. The figures were worse for Māori, with almost 8 out of 10 Māori adults reported having experienced at least one ACE.
One out of nine respondents reported at least four ACEs before the age of 18 – a cumulative toll associated with six-times higher risk of experiencing intimate partner violence and seven-times higher risk of experiencing non-partner violence.
“It’s crucial to intervene in childhood adversity, since the effects can be multiplied over a lifetime, exacerbating social and economic inequalities" says study author Associate Professor Janet Fanslow, of the School of Population Health in the Faculty of Medical and Health Sciences. She argued that "We need to invest in strategies that support and sustain the development of safe, stable, nurturing relationships and environments for all children and families to help all children reach their full potential.”
Overall, those who were: younger, identified as Māori, unemployed, lived in the most deprived areas, and those who were food insecure reported significantly higher exposure to ACEs.
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The National Collective of Independent Women’s Refuges published the report, Kids in the Middle (2021), on what children need to feel safe after family violence. Researchers interviewed 19 children age 5 to 13 about their experiences of finding safety and support. Women’s Refuge Chief Executive Dr Ang Jury said “Children talked about what brought them to Refuge, and underlined the losses, transitions, and disruptions that were caused by perpetrators’ use of violence. For them to have the best possible support, they need someone walking alongside them who is both a specialist in family violence and a specialist in working with kids.” The research has helped inform the Kōkihi ngā Rito pilot being launched at some Women's refuges to explore services for children.
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The government has announced that the Independent Children’s Monitor (Te Mana Whakamaru Tamariki Motuhake) will become its own departmental agency within Government and be hosted by the Education Review Office. It will be led by its own Chief Executive who will be a Statutory Officer. Minister for Social Development and Employment Carmel Sepuloni said:
“The Government had planned for the Office of the Children’s Commissioner to host the Monitor however, after weighing a number of factors we have decided to establish a new departmental agency.
"It is important the Office of the Children's Commissioner remains a vocal and independent advocate for New Zealand's children. The organisation, which monitors the Oranga Tamariki system and reports on its performance, needs to provide evidence and data on the performance to Government and the wider public. After looking into each of the roles required, we believe both organisations need to be independent of each other.
“The Government has also agreed to additional provisions to help ensure the Monitor’s Statutory Officer can be responsive to Ministerial requests for advice while maintaining the trust and confidence of the public. Ministers will therefore not be able to stop or prevent the Monitor from undertaking monitoring activities.
“This will provide a safeguard to ensure the Monitor’s work cannot be disrupted. However, the Minister responsible for monitoring will be able to positively request the Statutory Officer undertake additional monitoring activities in line with the Monitor’s role as a trusted advisor to Ministers.
“A Māori Advisory Group will be established and the Statutory Officer must have regard to the views of this Group. This will help ensure the Monitor meaningfully and effectively engages with Māori.”
Children's Commissioner Judge Becroft has questioned the decision and the plan for a Māori advisory group. VOYCE – Whakarongo Mai has also criticised the decision.
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Traumatised, and nowhere to get help: An epidemic in our justice system, Newsroom, 28.09.2021
Māori leaders’ concern about Oranga Tamariki watchdog plan, Newsroom, 30.06.2021
Child advocates and cake - children tell Women's Refuge what kids need, Stuff, 21.06.2021
The Office of the Auditor-General (OAG) undertook an early performance audit of the Joint Venture to inform its development and to identify learnings for future similar arrangements. In his overview and introduction to the report, Controller and Auditor-General John Ryan agreed with feedback that the Joint Venture was not yet operating as effectively as it needed to, commenting that "To date, the joint venture approach has resulted in only limited change to the way government agencies are working together."
The audit focused on how the Joint Venture was set up, how well it is operating and its effectiveness. The audit involved reviewing documents, 45 interviews with Joint Venture staff and conversations with representatives from the interim Te Rōpū, and NGOs in the family violence and sexual violence sectors. While the OAG did not run a formal public consultation, interested individuals and agencies could contact the OAG to offer feedback related to the audit.
The Working in new ways to address family violence and sexual violence (2021) report outlines areas where significant improvement in the operation and function of the Joint Venture is required including:
Partnership with Māori - The audit found that different expectations about roles and the nature of partnership led to a breakdown in the relationship between the joint venture and the interim Te Rōpū:
"We were told that the interim Te Rōpū committed to the opportunity to work in genuine partnership with the Crown. However, the process of preparing the strategy did not, in their view, reflect a commitment to partnership or to transforming how government agencies work with Māori."
Following the end of their relationship with interim Te Rōpū, the Joint Venture has not yet developed "the kind of broad-based partnership with Māori that was intended to be an important part of its approach." The report calls for the Joint Venture to reset its relationship with Māori writing "...to fundamentally change how the Government works with Māori to reduce family violence and sexual violence, the joint venture needs to prioritise working with Māori and Ministers to agree what working in partnership means in the context of the joint venture."
Partnership with NGOs and stakeholder groups - Feedback from NGOs and stakeholder groups included that the role of the Joint Venture was sometimes unclear, that engagement with the Joint Venture was transactional rather than partnership and that organisations were unsure that engaging with the Joint Venture would ensure feedback effectively reached government agencies. The Joint Venture also struggled to understand and engage with the differences among NGOs and stakeholders. The report calls for action from the government agencies that form the Joint Venture stating "that the joint venture agencies also have a role in ensuring that NGOs and other stakeholders’ engagement with the joint venture is consistent, that it is mutually productive, and that it reflects a commitment to partnership.”
Lack of expertise and knowledge - The report highlights that to be effective the Joint Venture needs a resourcing model that includes people with the right skills, experience and knowledge, and that the current resourcing approach is not working. Due to limited funding, the Joint Venture Business Unit (JVBU) has relied on resources and support from the government agencies, resulting in varying responses. As a result, the work led by the JVBU "...does not consistently draw on the collective skills, knowledge, and experience that exists in the agencies." Additional challenges were raised with the use of contractors, including the time spent to identify and engage contracts, and at times, a lack of trust in contractors which resulted in extra time spent questioning their outputs:
"The joint venture’s current approach to resourcing work is ad hoc and project-based. To an extent, it also relies on outside contractors who have not always had the specific skills, experience, or knowledge that the work needs."
The report also noted that government agencies tend to prioritise their specific accountabilities over the cross-agency work and calls for each government agency to make resources available for Joint Venture work:
"This includes assigning sufficient staff to engage with the business unit and other agencies on collective work. It also means ensuring that those agency staff who are assigned to the joint venture’s work are able to prioritise that work."
Lack of shared responsibility and clarity of roles, and changes in staffing - While the Joint Venture has resulted in more collaboration and coordination between the government agencies, "...the joint venture needs to move beyond co-operation between agencies and co-ordination of their individual activities and towards integration and cross-agency action." The OAG also found that the agencies involved did not have a common sense of ownership, responsibility and accountability.
The audit found "...that setting up working relationships between the different parts of the joint venture was challenging because of regular changes of staff in the business unit." It also noted that there is still a lack of clarity about the role and authority including decision-making of the Joint Venture Director and Joint Venture Business Unit. The audit also pointed out that "A crucial challenge is that there has not been a strategy or first action plan to help guide the work of the joint venture. A strategy would clearly set out what the joint venture is working towards and the most critical strategic objectives in achieving this."
The five recommendations are:
"1. the Board of the joint venture continue work to ensure that all parties to the joint venture, from Ministers to staff in individual agencies, understand their roles and the roles of others in the joint venture;
2. the Board of the joint venture continue work to clarify, affirm, and communicate the role, authority, and function of the Director and the joint venture’s business unit;
3. the joint venture, led by the Board and the Director, continue its work with Ministers and Māori to agree what partnership looks like in the context of the joint venture;
4. the joint venture, led by the Board and the Director, work with stakeholders from the family violence and sexual violence sector to consider and agree how they will work together; and
5. the Board of the joint venture ensure that the joint venture has sufficient and appropriate resources to deliver the transformational change it was set up to achieve. This will include ensuring:
-that the joint venture business unit is able to access people with the appropriate skills, knowledge, and experience to support and lead collective work; and
-that staff within each joint venture agency have the capacity to prioritise joint venture work."
Minister for the Prevention of Family and Sexual Violence Marama Davidson responded to the report in an interview with RNZ, highlighting work that is already underway to address many of the issues identified in the audit. The Minister welcomed the findings, stating that the report "gives us a continuing mandate for the transformation that absolutely needs to happen."
In the OAG media release Auditor General John Ryan said “I intend to carry out further work to monitor the progress of the joint venture and its success in reducing family and sexual violence over the coming years.” The report notes that "We have not looked at the work programmes and interventions of the individual agencies as part of this audit. We might carry out work on these aspects of the joint venture in the future." Earlier this year the OAG asked for feedback on their proposed work plan which included work on family violence and sexual violence.
Update: The Office of the Auditor-General has published a literature review on family violence. The OAG commissioned Carswell Consultancy to complete the review and the report, Experiences of the family violence system in Aotearoa: An overview of research 2010 to early 2020 (2020). OAG has released a summary and the report on their website. The full report including the appendices with an annotated bibliography can be requested by emailing enquiry@oag.parliament.nz.
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The government has launched work to develop a National Strategy and Action plans to eliminate family violence and sexual violence in Aotearoa New Zealand. The Joint Venture is coordinating this work. The Joint Venture is currently asking for feedback from tangata whenua, victim-survivors, communities throughout the country, service providers and individuals. Information about how to give feedback is on the Joint Venture website: violencefree.govt.nz/have-your-say/.
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Family and sexual violence government venture: Auditor-General finds shortcomings, RNZ, 08.06.2021
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