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New family violence workforce capability frameworks
Two new frameworks have been launched:
- Specialist Family Violence Organisational Standards
- Entry to Expert Family Violence Capability Framework.
The frameworks set standards and essential knowledge to support workers and organisations to respond to family violence in safe and effective ways. They both include information to create a shared understanding of the dynamics of family violence in Aotearoa New Zealand. They aim to build understanding and to improve the capability of government and non-government organisations and workforces to respond to family violence.
The frameworks are designed for specialist family violence organisations and generalist organisations. A specialist family violence response comes from a highly skilled person with extensive training and experience working with family violence, and who is supported by an organisation with expert knowledge and practice embedded at all levels. Generalist organisations do not have a primary role in addressing family violence, but may have staff who interact with people who have been impacted by violence.
The frameworks have been designed using an indigeneity lens, considering Te Tiriti o Waitangi, te ao Māori, and whānau-centred thinking.
Organisations and workers can start using the frameworks now. Agencies and key stakeholders will be testing these frameworks to build understanding about the best ways to implement them. Government agencies will also be applying the frameworks, starting with Police, Ara Poutama Aoteroa – Corrections, and Justice.
Specialist Family Violence Organisational Standards
The Specialist Family Violence Organisational Standards are for all organisations who identify as specialist family violence organisations. They are also for generalist organisations with specialist family violence workers.
The Standards are designed to help organisations understand what is expected of them when providing services to people affected by family violence. The standards focus on the quality of the service, scope of practice, and organisational capability to deliver safe and effective services. They are designed for senior leaders, managers, executives and boards to:
- Reflect, evaluate, review, design and continually improve their organisational structures, systems, processes and practices in safe and effective ways.
- Promote safe, effective, trauma and violence informed, and victim-survivor and whānau-centred services.
Entry to Expert Family Violence Capability Framework
The Entry to Expert Family Violence Capability Framework is for specialist family violence and generalist organisations, workforces and practitioners. The Framework sets out the capabilities for people to provide safe and effective services at four different levels of expertise: essential, entry, enhanced and expert. The Framework sets a standard for the skills needed to provide services at each of these levels. It also creates a pathway for people to develop their skills.
The Framework can be used by everyone from frontline staff and volunteers, through to team leaders, managers, executives and board members. Page 43 of the Framework lists the different ways the Framework can be used by practitioners, managers, organisations, government funders, and professional bodies and learning institutes.
Background about the frameworks
The frameworks are part of implementing Shift 3 (Towards skilled, culturally competent and sustainable workforces) of Te Aorerekura – the National Strategy and Action Plan to Eliminate Family Violence and Sexual Violence. Budget 2022 includes funding for training workforces to build capability, including court-related workforces.
In launching the frameworks, Minister for the Prevention of Family Violence and Sexual Violence Marama Davidson said:
“The first time someone reaches out for help may be the only time they have the courage to do so, and they need to be met with a response every time that is safe, and that provides the validation and support needed to start the long-term healing. That’s why building the capability of our workforces is so important.
“The frameworks were developed collaboratively by people who work in the specialist sector including tangata whenua, and representatives of victim-survivors, diverse communities such as disabled people and LGBTQIA+, and government. Taking a whānau- and family-centred approach to prevention, restoration and healing is a key focus."
Te Ao Māori News reported on and shared a video from the launch of the frameworks featuring National Network of Family Violence Services chief executive Merran Lawler, who said:
"There is a lot of upskilling that needs to take place and that requires an investment and a commitment to investing in that upskilling. Ultimately, we'd like to see these documents not as 'nice to haves', but as mandatory requirements for anybody working in the family violence sector."
RNZ reported that Women's Refuge chief executive Dr Ang Jury said:
"We, in the specialist sector, have been talking for literally years if not decades about the need for a shared understanding of what this family violence thing is; what it looks like, what it smells like what it feels like.
"These frameworks provide that. There is going to be no excuse now for people who say, 'Well, I didn't know what was an appropriate response'. When [the minister says] people can use it, I would say I would go further than that and say they should use it."
And she also said that:
"I would really like to see this starting to feed its way into the legal system with our lawyers and judges and in our medical system, particularly primary health; doctors, nurses, those sorts of people."
The frameworks build on the Family Violence, Sexual Violence and Violence within Whānau: Workforce Capability Framework launched in 2017.
Related news
The Joint Venture has shared 10 analysis papers that reflect community experiences of family violence and sexual violence systems. These papers summarise the feedback gathered from the community engagement process to develop Te Aorerekura. They draw on some existing evidence about prevalence and different dynamics of violence for each group. The papers also identify some opportunities for improving ways to prevent, respond, and heal from violence. The 10 papers address the experiences of:
- Children and young people
- Disabled people
- Ethnic communities
- LGBTQIA+
- Older people and Kaumatua
- Pacific Peoples
- People impacted by violence
- People who use or have used violence
- Sexual violence and family violence sectors
- Tangata Whenua
Emma Powell has been appointed as the new Chief Executive of the Executive Board for the Elimination of Family Violence and Sexual Violence. In the announcement Andrew Kibblewhite, Deputy Chair of the Executive Board said "The Joint Venture is now legally an Interdepartmental Executive Board with responsibility to implement the National Strategy. The work is complex and requires an engaged, positive and outgoing executive leader who is committed to making a meaningful difference in the lives of New Zealanders. I am pleased Emma Powell is taking up this role." For more information see the Joint Venture website.
Toitū te Waiora is asking for feedback through a brief survey on workforce challenges and needs for community, health, education, and social services sectors in Aotearoa. Toitū te Waiora is one of six workforce development councils created as part of the review of vocational education. Toitū tē Waiora represent sectors including care services, youth services, disability services, mental health and addictions services, health services, public order safety, regulatory services, social services, and more. They work with industry and employers to understand the skills that are needed. This information is then passed to education and training providers, to create learning programmes to give people the skills to address future workforce needs. Learn more from their 1 minute video.
The survey runs until 12 June.
Related media
Tiriti central to family violence prevention, Waatea News, 27.05.2022
Consultation on access to civil justice
The Chief Justice and Secretary for Justice have convened a working group to invite feedback on a draft strategic framework called Wayfinding for Civil Justice. The focus of the framework is on improving access to civil justice in Aotearoa New Zealand.
The closing date to give written feedback for the consultation is 30 June 2022.
Civil justice is the system of law used to resolve private disputes. Private disputes include matters such as problems with contracts, disputes in business or about property, and legal arrangements in relation to family matters. Access to civil justice includes issues such as understanding the rights you have in relation to a dispute, the ways that you can take action to deal with a dispute, and finding and using a lawyer. It does not generally refer to justice in relation to outcomes from using civil law.
The consultation overview states that the framework aims to:
- "encourage a unified and coordinated approach to improving access to civil justice
- use the resources the sector has as strategically as possible
- provide clear signals to funders of access to justice mahi (government and non-government) about what work is ongoing, where the gaps are, and where co-ordination can be achieved."
The Wayfinding for Civil Justice consultation is only related to access to civil justice and to civil law.
In Aotearoa New Zealand there are two main streams of law: civil and criminal. The Ministry of Justice describes the difference as "Civil law covers disputes between individuals, companies and sometimes local or central government. It usually doesn't involve the Police." Civil cases can include:
- family proceedings such as care of children, division of shared property and separation proceedings
- protection orders and non-contact orders
- restraining orders for harassment (not from an intimate partner).
Criminal law usually involves the Police investigating a crime.
In situations of family violence and sexual violence, it is possible to have cases in both the civil and criminal justice systems. For example, a person might be involved in a civil case seeking a Protection Order at the same time as the Police are investigating a criminal case for assault.
For more information, see a brief overview from the Community Law Manual about criminal law and family violence or the Ministry of Justice overview of civil law and criminal law.
Update: Following this initial consultation, the working group has published a revised Wayfinding for Civil Justice. The working group welcomes further feedback on this revised document by email to wayfinding@justice.govt.nz. For more information see the consultation information webpage.
Consultation background
The consultation document for the Wayfinding for Civil Justice Strategy states that the goal of the framework is to "...guide the journey towards improved access to justice". It further states:
"There are limited funds available in Aotearoa New Zealand to address its access to justice problems. A national framework is about using what resources we do have as strategically as possible. It is also about providing clear signals to funders of access to justice mahi (government and non-government) about what work is ongoing, where the gaps are, and where co-ordination can be achieved."
It notes that the proposed framework is not a government strategy, stating "This mahi has the support of the government in the form of seed funding, communication support, and enthusiasm, but this is a stakeholder strategy being led by a representative working group."
The draft framework outlines principles to guide the work. It also outlines 7 goals divided into 4 focus areas:
"1. Community knowledge and understanding
1.1 Increase communities’ knowledge to support dispute prevention and early resolution.
1.2 Increase community access to legal information and self-help tools.
2. Legal assistance
2.1 Increase the availability of affordable legal services to help people solve their civil justice problems.
2.2 Increase legal service providers’ knowledge and understanding of communities and their needs.
3. Dispute resolution
3.1 Increase the availability of information about the range of dispute resolution mechanisms available in Aotearoa New Zealand.
3.2 Ensure equitable access to the courts.
4. System knowledge
4.1 Increase knowledge of how the system is currently operating and evaluate and monitor innovation and change."
The consultation asks 8 questions:
"Q1. How necessary do you think a national structure is to ensure the success of Wayfinding for Civil Justice?
Q2. If you consider a national structure is necessary, what form and scale do you think it should take?
Q3. If a national structure extended the work of an existing organisation or body, which organisation or body do you think would be most appropriate?
Q4. How should Te Tiriti o Waitangi be reflected in Wayfinding for Civil Justice? Do you agree with the approach suggested of embedding Te Tiriti o Waitangi into the foundation of Wayfinding for Civil Justice, rather than having it as a separate principle?
Q5. To what extent do you identify with the principles that we have stated to guide the approach to the goals? Do you think they are relevant to your work?
Q6. To what extent do you identify with the goals stated? What other goals do you think should be added?
Q7. Do you feel the current suggested actions in each goal provide your organisation with sufficient guidance?
Q8. Which suggested actions do you think will be particularly relevant to your work?"
You can give feedback on the questions through the online consultation form or by emailing wayfinding@justice.govt.nz.
Feedback is invited from people who work in organisations and in roles where they see the need to improve access to justice. The frequently asked questions (FAQ) for the consultation says that the audience for the consultation includes:
"-institutions and organisations that work in the area of civil justice (including the judiciary, legal professional organisations, government departments, and academics);
-community groups and people supporting those who see or experience barriers to accessing justice (including NGOs, Māori communities, Pacific communities, Asian communities, rural communities, disability communities);
-providers of advice, information, and advocacy, including lawyers and non-lawyer service providers (for example, advocates and McKenzie friends);
-individuals and organisations who are trying to disrupt and/or innovate civil justice;
-funders of work to improve access to justice.
While it is primarily aimed at individuals and organisations whose mahi is about (either directly or indirectly) improving access to justice, the experiences of those who have been directly affected by a struggle to access justice can also inform the shape of this document. We welcome submissions from people with direct experience of the justice system who would like to share their feedback on this draft Wayfinding strategy document."
The draft strategic framework Wayfinding for Civil Justice was developed by a Working Group. The Working Group is chaired by Dr Bridgette Toy-Cronin and also includes Raynor Asher QC, Wi Pere Mita, Gabrielle O’Brien, and Anne Waapu. The Chief Justice Helen Winkelmann and Secretary for Justice Andrew Kibblewhite convened a workshop in March 2020 to discuss how to improve access to civil justice in Aotearoa New Zealand. One outcome from the workshop was to setup this Working Group to guide the development of a national strategic framework to improve access to justice.
This consultation is separate from the Courts of NZ Rules Committee consultation on improving access to civil justice.
The Community Law Centres o Aotearoa submission to the separate consultation by the Rules Committee on improving access to civil justice highlights some issues related to family violence. The Auckland Coalition for the Safety of Women and Children also made a submission to the Rules Committee consultation. However the Rules Committee did not accept the Coalition’s submission because the Committee explained they lacked the capability and competency to address the matters raised by the Coalition.The Coalition's submission was then referred by the Committee to The Chief High Court Judge and the Principal Family Court Judge.
Related news
Budget 2022 includes funding for court and justice initiatives including increases for legal aid, the development of a justice sector-wide strategy for improving outcomes for victims of crime and a number of court initiatives.
In 2021 the NZ Law Society | Te Kāhui Ture o Aotearoa commissioned Colmar Brunton to survey lawyers about access to justice. Nearly 3000 lawyers responded to the survey. The report from the survey, Access to Justice Research 2021 (October 2021), identified significant concerns, with 52% of lawyers rating the legal system as poor or very poor at providing everyone in Aotearoa New Zealand access to justice and 50% of lawyers reporting they had to turn away clients. Tiana Epati, former President of the New Zealand Law Society, said "Vulnerable people who cannot afford lawyers and seek legal aid, are not getting it because the number of lawyers undertaking legal aid has diminished. Legal aid lawyers are unable to cope with demand, are too poorly paid to deal with the complex cases they have, so they quit the legal aid system.”
In March 2022, Chief Justice Helen Winkelmann released her inaugural Annual Report on judicial administration and how the justice system works in Aotearoa New Zealand. It has information on how the judiciary is organised, how the court system works, current challenges and work to improve court processes and to ensure the courts continued to operate during the pandemic. It also includes findings from the October 2021 Judicial diversity survey.
Media outlet NZ Herald has highlighted that Community Law Centres have struggled to fund successful pilots on family law and Kaupapa Māori services. For additional concerns for victim/survivors and their children in Family Court and Oranga Tamariki highlighted by media, see the related media below.
The New Zealand Law Society has commissioned an Independent Review of the statutory framework for legal services in Aotearoa New Zealand to examine the regulation and representation of legal services in Aotearoa New Zealand. The review includes looking at the structure and functions of the Law Society. The Law Society has appointed Professor Ron Paterson as Chair and Jane Meares and Professor Jacinta Ruru as Members of the Independent Review Panel. For more information see the Terms of Reference for the review.
Related media
Legal aid’s Budget boost isn’t enough, Newsroom, 13.06.2022
Family Court defends processes, protection orders, Newsroom, 01.06.2022
Letter from the Minister of Justice, NZ Law Society, 19.05.2022
Legal aid unfixable with money, Waatea News, 18.05.2022
Young Adult List court programme leading the way in justice system transformation, Stuff, 14.05.2022
How a broken system for protection orders fails victims of domestic violence, Newsroom, 10.05.2022
Kiwis deserve a fair deal in court, but civil justice is skewed. That must change, Stuff, 08.05.2022
NZ Law Society calls for urgent funding boost to legal aid system, Stuff, 06.05.2022
OT agrees to Family Court review, Newsroom, 26.04.2022
Family violence court needed nationwide, Waatea News, 16.03.2022
How to change a system that currently fails victim survivors of family violence, RNZ, 04.03.2022
A glimpse of the judicial system; First report into NZ's courts, NZ Herald, 04.03.2022
How the Family Court rewards abusive behaviour rather than recognising it, Newsroom, 02.03.2022
The Family Court’s shocking practice of arresting children, Newsroom, 23.02.2022
Access to justice a concern as backlog grows in district courts, One News, 18.02.2022
Mum abused by ex-husband in Family Court litigation denied police help, Stuff, 15.12.2021
Why can’t all courts be like this?, E-Tangata, 28.11.2021
Our broken legal aid system, RNZ, 18.11.2021
Legal aid crisis a threat to justice, Newsroom, 13.11.2021
Dames say their concerns ignored by top Family Court judge, RNZ, 12.11.2021
Legal aid gap filled by defendants, Waatea News, 12.11.2021
Legal aid: Thousands turned away by lawyers in 'collapsing' system, RNZ, 11.11.2021
Budget 2022
The Government made a pre-Budget announcement of $114.5 million over 4 years for family violence and sexual violence initiatives. This funding is focused on implementing Te Aorerekura – the National Strategy to Eliminate Family Violence and Sexual Violence. Eight initiatives were outlined to either maintain or expand work in primary prevention, community led responses and improved workforce capability. See the summary of initiatives and the summary on a page from the Joint Venture for the breakdown of this funding. Also see the Ministry of Social Development factsheets on Growing family violence prevention – Budget 2022 and Continuing Family Violence Response Coordination services – Budget 2022.
New 'Justice Cluster' pilot - funding for courts, legal aid and focus on victims
While the Wellbeing Budget 2022 has a focus on reforming the health system and addressing climate change, Budget 2022 is also working towards a new approach to public finance. This new approach includes the Justice Cluster - one of two pilots to bring Ministers and agencies together to pursue shared goals, and to receive multi-year funding to achieve those goals.
The Justice Cluster is made up of 5 agencies: the Ministry of Justice, New Zealand Police, the Department of Corrections, the Serious Fraud Office, and the Crown Law Office. The agencies will receive $2.7 billion total operating and $65 million capital funding across the forecast period. The Justice Cluster funding is in addition to funding for the Independent Police Conduct Authority (IPCA), capital funding for critical court infrastructure, and the family violence and sexual violence budget package.
Ministers and agencies from the Justice Cluster have agreed to 4 priorities:
- better outcomes for victims
- improving access to justice
- addressing issues with remand
- better enabled organisations and workforce.
Referring to the Justice Cluster, Budget 2022 states:
"In the long-term, this will involve a shift in investment from more traditional justice processes and infrastructure towards earlier community-based prevention, support activity and responses. This approach is expected to be both cost-effective and more effective in preventing harm.
Before we can make progress on reforming the system, we first need to address pressures on the current system."
The initiatives funded in the Justice Cluster address a mix of current areas of need and transforming the justice and court system. Some key Justice Cluster investments include:
- $47.4 million over 4 years for Te Ao Mārama - to engage with communities and partner with iwi to design new solutions for the District Court
- $190 million of total operating funding over 4 years to maintain and strengthen legal aid (approximately $41 million to maintain and $148 million to strengthen)
- $45.7 million over 4 years to develop and deliver a cross-sector strategy and operating model to inform future investment in victims services
- $12.3 million over 3 years to expand the Victim Assistance Scheme.
For more information see the Ministry of Justice overview of the Budget 2022 initiatives for courts and justice. Also see the Budget 2022 Justice Cluster Overview.
Update: The cabinet paper related to the cross-sector strategy and operating model to inform future investment in victims services was proactively released in 2023, Better Outcomes for Victims: Work programme.
Other Budget 2022 initiatives
There are a number of initiatives funded in Budget 2022 related to family violence and sexual violence. We've highlighted some key initiatives below and reference the page number in the Budget 2022 Detailed breakdown of initiatives by Vote.
Other justice related initiatives (part of the Justice Cluster):
- Increasing the capability of the Ministry of Justice to ensure it can consistently meet commitments and obligations under Te Tiriti o Waitangi (page 104)
- Funding to continue supporting the mana ōrite partnership between Ināia Tonu Nei and the Justice Sector Leadership Board (page 130)
- Funding for the Ministry of Justice Policy Group to improve capacity and capability for relationships and engagement to enable more inclusive, accessible means of policy design (page 130)
- Increasing capacity for Te Pae Oranga Iwi Community Panels to take on additional referrals for work with rangatahi and family violence victims (page 140)
Care and protection related initiatives:
- Funding for VOYCE – Whakarongo Mai, the Independent Advocacy and Connection Services for Tamariki and Rangatahi with Care Experience to meet increased demand for services (page 137)
- Investing in the "...communities and partners Oranga Tamariki works alongside to ensure that holistic community-led responses that are whānau-centred and identified by the communities themselves, can be set up as part of implementing Oranga Tamariki’s Future Direction Plan" (page 137)
- Building Oranga Tamariki social worker capability by funding the Social Workers Registration Board to work with and support Oranga Tamariki to establish micro-credential standards and develop training materials (page 145)
Other initiatives:
- $100 million over 4 years to implement the Enabling Good Lives approach and $107 million over 4 years to support the establishment of the new Ministry for disabled people (page 146-147)
- Funding to sustain Access to Sexual Abuse Assessment and Treatment Services (page 133)
- Whānau Resilience initiative to support the development of whānau leaders to build resilience and strengthen whānau (page 134, funded by reprioritisation of existing funding)
- Funding for Manatū Wāhine Ministry for Women to meet increasing demands for policy, engagement and data capability and for the Ministry to continue the support for the Mana Wāhine Kaupapa Inquiry (page 156, also see the Ministry for Women media release)
- Funding for Ministry of Social Development (MSD) to design and lay foundations for the transformation of MSD’s operating and service models (page 149)
- Increasing capability of the Ministry for Ethnic Communities (page 128).
For more information
MSD has provided a brief overview of budget 2022 initiatives related to support for New Zealanders on low incomes, lifting children out of poverty, reforming the welfare system, improving the lives of disabled people and supporting more people into work and training. MSD also have a series of Budget 2022 Factsheets addressing these initiatives.
For more information see the related media below including government media releases.
Government media releases
Funding to continue transformation of Oranga Tamariki, Beehive Media Release, 31.05.2022
Whānau Resilience focuses on wāhine and rangatahi, Beehive Media Release, 24.05.2022
Increase in funding secures future for Whānau Ora, Beehive Media Release, 24.05.2022
Paving the way for better outcomes for disabled people, Beehive Media Release, 19.05.2022
Securing the wellbeing of Pacific communities, Beehive Media Release, 19.05.2022
Coronial delays addressed by Budget 2022, Beehive Media Release, 19.05.2022
Government delivers timely support for whānau, Beehive Media Release, 19.05.2022
195,000 children set to benefit from more mental health support, Beehive Media Release, 17.05.2022
Next steps for specialist mental health and addiction services, Beehive Media Release, 17.05.2022
Budget 2022: Supporting our young people to thrive, Beehive Media Release, 13.05.2022
Budget 2022: More police to target gangs, Beehive Media Release, 8.05.2022
Related media
Government initiatives to reduce whānau violence stall, despite praise, Stuff, 10.06.2022
Marama Davidson | Co-Leader of the NZ Green Party [interview], Waatea News, 13.06.2022
Hui needed for Oranga Tamariki transition, Waatea News, 07.06.2022
Police and urban Māori hook up for Te Pae Oranga, Waatea News, 02.06.2022
Hapū need to step up for taitamariki, Waatea News, 01.06.2022
Wāhine and rangatahi get leadership training, Waatea News, 24.05.2022
Policy Watch Post Budget Special 2022, NZ Council of Christian Social Services, 24.05.2022
Poverty groups disappointed by budget, RNZ, 20.05.2022
Budget 2022: Disabled people get mixed bag in Budget, RNZ, 20.05.2022
Māori health and social workers say Budget funding won't ease burden much, RNZ, 20.05.2022
Widespread disappointment from social agencies experiencing skyrocketing need, Stuff, 19.05.2022
Budget 2022: The great Spinoff hot-take roundtable, The Spinoff, 19.05.2022
Budget 2022 at a glance: What you need to know, RNZ, 19.05.2022
Budget 2022: Government to 'transform' disability support with $943m injection, Stuff, 19.05.2022
Budget 2022: Child support payments will no longer be scooped up by the state, Stuff, 19.05.2022
Budget 2022: Māori initiatives get more than $1b, RNZ, 19.05.2022
Oranga Tamariki spends bulk of funds set aside for sexual violence services, RNZ, 16.05.2022
New Upstander programme from Le Va
The Upstander programme is a new initiative within the Atu-Mai violence prevention programme from Le Va. The Upstander programme aims to equip Pacific youth and communities with the skills and knowledge to take a stand against violence.
The Upstander fono is a key component of the movement. The fono or workshops are free and for Pasifika youth aged 16 - 24. The fono will teach youth the differences between being a bystander and an upstander, and will show how caring for others is part of Pasifika culture.
The Upstander programme defines an Upstander as "...someone who notices a potentially harmful or dangerous situation and does something to make things right. They know what’s happening is wrong and have the courage to step up. To stop violence from happening in our communities, we must stand together against violence."
The Upstander workshop is for youth in the community who:
- Identify as Pasifika
- Are between the ages of 16-24
- Want to find out what an Upstander is and how to upstand safely
- Want to find out how upstanding reflects Pasifika values
- Want to explore why 'violence is not our culture'.
The workshop objectives include:
- Understand the difference between an Upstander and Bystander
- Discover how being an Upstander is linked to Pasifika values
- Learn about the steps involved in upstanding
- Equip yourself with a variety of tools to upstand.
Young people can register their interest to participate with Le Va. For questions contact the Atu-Mai programme atumai@leva.co.nz.
Atu-Mai is a violence prevention programme led by Le Va that strengthens Pasifika communities by developing confident and resilient Pasifika young people. Atu-Mai is designed to equip Pasifika young people and their families with the right knowledge and tools to live violence-free. Other workshops from the Atu-Mai programme include:
- I AM Cultural identity Fono: "Strengthen your self-worth through culture. Discover your Pasifika cultural values and how you can apply them in a modern world."
- Fathers Fono Workshop: "Fathers Fono is a parenting workshop aimed at bringing our Pasifika fathers together and supporting each other to be the best Dads we can be."
Find and register for upcoming workshops from Le Va including the Atu-Mai workshops and Le Va's workshop on Engaging Pasifika Cultural Competency training for non-Pacific health and disability workers employed at a Ministry of Health funded services.
Atu-Mai also offers e-learning for young people and parents on safe and respectful relationships.
Update: Le Va has launched a new e-learning programme at Atu-Mai, 1000 Days of Alofa - an interconnected community of local, regional and national leaders including parents, Plunket, Midwifery Council, heath professionals, researchers and policy specialists will help us embark on a journey in learning to build positive relationships with our children.
Related news
Pasifika Futures featured a talanoa on childhood trauma on radio 531pi from the Pacific Media Network. In the talanoa, Child and Adolescent Psychiatrist and Paediatrician Dr David Tan talks about what childhood trauma is, the effects of trauma and how to talk about it.
Earlier this year, Minister for Pacific Peoples Aupito William Sio announced the 2022 Pacific Language Weeks series:
- Rotuman Language Week: Sunday 8 May – Saturday 14 May 2022
- Samoa Language Week: Sunday 29 May – Saturday 04 June 2022
- Kiribati Language Week: Sunday 10 July – Saturday 16 July 2022
- Cook Islands Language Week: Sunday 31 July – Saturday 06 August 2022
- Tonga Language Week: Sunday 04 September – Saturday 10 September 2022
- Tuvalu Language Week: Sunday 25 September – Saturday 01 October 2022
- Fijian Language Week: Sunday 02 October – Saturday 08 October 2022
- Niue Language Week: Sunday 16 October – Saturday 22 October 2022
- Tokelau Language Week: Sunday 23 October – Saturday 29 October 2022.
For more information see the Pasefika Proud story on Pacific Language Weeks 2022.
Related media
Former Warriors throw support behind charity for Pasifika families , Stuff, 27.02.2022
Motivation to change: A basketball coach's mission to support Pasifika dads, Stuff, 17.10.2021
Consultation on modern slavery and worker exploitation
MBIE is seeking feedback on a proposed legislative response to modern slavery and worker exploitation.
The closing date to make a submission is 7 June 2022.
According to the MBIE consultation webpage:
"The proposal would create new responsibilities across the operations and supply chains of all types of organisations in New Zealand, with more responsibilities for larger organisations:
- All organisations would be required to take action if they become aware of modern slavery or worker exploitation
- Medium and large organisations would be required to disclose the steps they are taking
- Large organisations and those with control over New Zealand employers would be required to undertake due diligence.
The primary objective for the proposals set out to:
- reduce modern slavery and worker exploitation in New Zealand and elsewhere, helping to build practices based on fairness and respect."
The consultation discussion document defines modern slavery to include forced marriage and human trafficking:
"Modern slavery broadly reflects exploitative situations that a person cannot leave due to threats, violence, coercion, deception, and/or abuse of power. For the purpose of this discussion document, we are proposing that modern slavery be defined as including the legal concepts of forced labour, debt bondage, forced marriage, slavery and slavery like practices, and human trafficking." (page 13, emphasis added)
However, the document also states that the consultation proposals do not address forced marriage:
"Women and girls accounted for 71 per cent of modern slavery victims, including 63 per cent of victims of forced labour and 84 per cent of victims of forced marriage, and children account for one in four victims of modern slavery. The UN Human Rights High Commissioner and the ILO has warned that the number of victims of modern slavery could significantly increase as a result of COVID-19. The UN Secretary General Report on trafficking in women and girls acknowledges that 'the harms of trafficking are known to be more severe for women and girls than for men and boys given the exposure of the former to specific forms of exploitation such as sexual exploitation and violence, domestic servitude and forced marriage.' The proposals in this paper are not targeted at addressing forced marriage." (page 29, emphasis added)
The MBIE consultation webpage outlines the information they want to know as:
"We want to know how best to facilitate lasting cultural change and encourage best practice to support freedom, fairness and human dignity across the operations and supply chains of entities.
We also want to know about the impact of the proposals on victims and survivors, entities of all types, and individuals. We want to know what you think the benefits of the proposals and options might be, as well as their costs. We also want your ideas about how the proposals and options could be designed and implemented effectively."
In his foreword to the discussion document, Minister for Workplace Relations and Safety Michael Wood said "We want to hear from victims and survivors, from all types of organisations, and from individuals."
The discussion document includes a summary list of questions on pages 17 - 23. Feedback can be emailed to modernslavery@mbie.govt.nz or posted to International Labour Policy, Workplace Relations and Safety Policy, Ministry of Business, Innovation & Employment, PO Box 1473, Wellington 6140.
If your time is limited, MBIE has provided a brief summary discussion document and a short online survey. There is also a one-page overview of the proposal.
The closing date for submissions is 7 June 2022.
The Centre for Research on Modern Slavery at the University of Auckland Business School and World Vision New Zealand are hosting a webinar on 18 May 2022 on What can New Zealand learn from modern slavery legislation in Australia, the European Union and the United Kingdom?
Update: Equal Employment Opportunities Commissioner, Dr Saunoamaali’i Karanina Sumeo, said on social media that the NZ Human Rights Commission is also interested in engaging with organisations and advocates in this space. Join the conversation and contact them at endslavery@hrc.co.nz.
Background and more information
In 2018, the UN Committee on the Elimination of Discrimination against Women in their Concluding Observations on New Zealand's 8th periodic report called for a number of government actions to address trafficking, including:
"28(a) Amend section 19 of the Prostitution Reform Act 2003, with a view to reducing its negative impact on migrant women;
28(b) Revise migration laws, remove the possibility of only a fine being imposed as punishment for trafficking and adopt measures aimed at preventing discrimination against women in prostitution in the State party, with a view to preventing and addressing the factors and structures that render migrant women vulnerable to trafficking;
28(c) Strengthen mechanisms to identify, protect and assist victims of trafficking and sexual exploitation, provide them with legal support and systematically collect comprehensive data about victims of trafficking and report them to the Committee in its next periodic report;
28 (d) Speedily adopt a new national action plan to combat human trafficking, in line with the Protocol to Prevent, Suppress and Punish Trafficking in Persons, Especially Women and Children, supplementing the United Nations Convention against Transnational Organized Crime;
28 (e) Revise the Crimes Amendment Act 2015 to criminalize trafficking in children even when no coercion, deception or other means of abuse of power are involved;
28 (f) Ensure that victims of trafficking are provided with adequate protection and support, including by establishing separate, well-equipped shelters with trained staff to address their specific needs and concerns and strengthen long-term reintegration measures for victims of trafficking."
In December 2020 the government published a five-year action plan to address modern slavery. Combatting Modern Forms of Slavery: Plan of Action against Forced Labour, People Trafficking and Slavery 2020-25 is a high-level framework for the actions that government agencies will take to address modern slavery and human trafficking in the areas of prevention, protection and enforcement. At the time advocates and experts called on the government to take stronger action and highlighted that the plan had gaps in addressing the disproportionate risks to children and women. The National Collective of Independent Women's Refuges submission on the draft action plan identified 10 recommendations including calling for a gendered analysis of trafficking and exploitation; a clarification of which victims and which forms of victimisation the State regards as important; a focus on vulnerability of women and girls, including as a result of gender-based violence; and a strategy to collaborate with, and use expert advice from NGOs.
Community Law Centres o Aotearoa identified risks for the exploitation of migrant women on partnership-based visas in their submission to the Parliamentary Select Committee Inquiry into migrant exploitation, writing "we believe that the vulnerability created by employer-sponsored visas is closely paralleled with that created by partner-sponsored visas and the two issues must be considered together." Attached to their submission was a previous letter to government raising concerns about the domestic violence visa scheme through Immigration NZ.
Researchers published a report outlining the need for modern slavery legislation in New Zealand. The report, Toward a Modern Slavery Act in New Zealand - Legislative landscape and steps forward (September 2021), includes an overview of definitions, legal frameworks from other countries, an overview of existing related policy in New Zealand and legislative examples from other countries.
For further background on the development of the action plan see our related news stories below.
Related news
The Human Trafficking Research Coalition has published an open letter to the government calling for amendments to the Crimes Act 1961 to provide better protections against child exploitation in Aotearoa New Zealand.
The UN Special Rapporteur on the sale and sexual exploitation of children has called for action to stop the sale and sexual exploitation of children saying "The limited application of legislative and policy initiatives represents perhaps the most significant challenge to addressing these crimes.” In her report, A practical approach to addressing the sale and sexual exploitation of children (A/HRC/49/51 - January 2022), she outlines concrete measures and good practices to tackle the sale of children for the purpose of child marriage and the sexual exploitation of children online, in prostitution and in the context of travel and tourism. She also published a checklist to help guide states in taking action to address child exploitation.
Previously related international reports include:
Gender dimension of the sexual exploitation of children and the importance of integrating a child-centred and gender-inclusive approach to combating and eradicating it (July 2021) by the UN Secretary-General
The effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on trafficking in persons and responses to the challenges: a global study of emerging evidence (July 2021) by the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC)
Applying Gender-Sensitive Approaches in Combating Trafficking in Human Beings (May 2021) by the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe
Related media
The quiet demise of the Modern Slavery Act, The Spinoff, 06.08.2024
Authorities investigate allegations Gloriavale women trafficked to India, RNZ, 27.03.2024
Modern slavery law plans up in air, Newsroom, 18.01.2024
'She led them to safety': Kiwi helps jail man who ran 'campaign of rape', Stuff, 02.07.2023
Businesses told to act on slavery, even without legislation, The Press, 28.05.2023
Sold for sex: 15-year-old exploited in Aotearoa speaks out, One News, 21.05.2023
Crises hindering victim identification: UNODC human trafficking report, UN News, 24.01.2023
Don't delay on modern slavery law, Govt told, Newsroom, 20.12.2022
Five Country Ministerial Communiqué, Beehive media release, 14.09.2022
We thought slavery was consigned to the past but it is worse than ever, Stuff, 13.09.2022
Modern slavery on the rise as crises fuel poverty - UN report, RNZ, 13.09.2022
Violence ignored in immigration changes, Newsroom, 31.08.2022
$1000 infringement fees just ‘loose change’ to exploitative employers, Newsroom, 25.08.2022
Migrants unguarded from family violence, Newsroom, 18.08.2022
Partner work visas on the chopping block, Newsroom, 21.07.2022
Proposed legislation to end modern slavery, University of Auckland news, 14.04.2022
Steps to end modern slavery - public feedback wanted, PMN News, 11.04.2022
NZ needs laws to stop modern slavery - Trade Aid boss, RNZ, 08.04.2022
Budget 2022 funding for family violence and sexual violence
The Minister for the Prevention of Family Violence and Sexual Violence, Marama Davidson, has announced in a pre-budget statement that Budget 2022 will include $114.5 million over four years to support the implementation of Te Aorerekura - the National Strategy to Eliminate Family Violence and Sexual Violence. Minister Davidson said:
“Budget 2022 will help us deliver better primary prevention services, support community-led responses, and improve workforce capability to strengthen community approaches to eliminating family violence and sexual violence.
“Developed in partnership, Te Aorerekura identified six shifts that need to occur in order for tangata whenua, specialist sectors, communities and government to work together towards people being able to enjoy peaceful lives. Budget 2022 will invest in making these shifts happen."
The Joint Venture for Family Violence and Sexual Violence (the Joint Venture) published a one page summary of the Budget 2022 funding for family violence and sexual violence. It outlines the following initiatives that align with Te Aorerekura:
- "$38.1 million to support and expand integrated community-led responses (ICR)
- $4.0 million to lay the foundations for enduring relationships which empower communities to participate in change
- $7.4 million to develop and implement critical family violence and sexual violence guidance, standards and tools for specialist workers
- $4.6 million to deliver foundational family violence and sexual violence training to the court-related workforce
- $9.8 million to maintain services for victims and perpetrators of family violence, to reduce harm and improve outcomes
- $37.6 million to support the shift towards primary prevention
- $5.0 million to Family Start towards building the capability of whānau workers to identify and respond early to signs of family violence and sexual violence
- $8.1 million to maintain services for victims of non-fatal strangulation."
For more detailed information see the Joint Venture's full summary of family violence and sexual violence initiatives for Budget 2022. You can watch a recording of Minister Davidson's full speech announcing the Budget 2022 initiatives or read her speech.
Update: Also see the Ministry of Social Development factsheets on Growing family violence prevention – Budget 2022 and Continuing Family Violence Response Coordination services – Budget 2022.
The Government will announce Budget 2022 on 19 May 2022. Other pre-budget announcements include a joint announcement related to law and order funding from Justice Minister Kris Faafoi, Police Minister Poto Williams and Corrections Minister Kelvin Davis.
For other updates from the Joint Venture see the latest Joint Venture e-update for April 2022 including community analysis papers, an update on the Tangata Whenua Ministerial Advisory Group, and more.
Related news
The Ministry of Social Development (MSD) published the Evaluation report on the procurement and co-design of the Whānau Resilience programme (October 2021). The report summarises findings from the kaupapa Māori evaluation. The aim of the evaluation was to understand how well the procurement and co-design processes of the Whānau Resilience programme were developed and implemented, and how these were experienced by three of 12 regions across Aotearoa: Counties Manukau, Wellington, and Tasman. Funding in Budget 2018 was committed for Whānau Resilience, to enable MSD to work differently with local providers, and find improved ways of engaging with Māori and Pacific peoples in service procurement, design, and delivery.
MSD also published a report summarising findings from a baseline survey about the Impact of Budget-19 on Sexual Violence Services and the Sector and a two page summary of the findings (September 2021). This is the first report from a four-year research and evaluation programme designed to evaluate the impact of the uplift in funding from Budget-2019 and increase understanding of how best to support people affected by sexual violence, with a focus on the needs of select priority groups through the commissioning of exploratory projects. For more information see the MSD webpage on Specialist sexual violence services.
Related media
Government initiatives to reduce whānau violence stall, despite praise, Stuff, 10.06.2022
Marama Davidson | Co-Leader of the NZ Green Party [interview], Waatea News, 13.06.2022
New budget allocations to stop family and sexual violence, Te Hiku Media, 11.05.2022
Violence elimination plan gets budget funding, RNZ, 10.05.2022
Family violence prevention strategy gets $114.5m in Budget, RNZ 10.05.2022
$115m into family and sexual violence prevention, response, One News, 10.05.2022
Budget to fund family violence change, Waatea News, 10.05.2022
Experts urge govt to look beyond politics when addressing crime, RNZ, 09.05.2022
Fairer Future offers plan out of poverty, Waatea News, 05.05.2022
Govt initiative struggling to support strangulation victims, One News, 29.04.2022
Cases and media highlight Harmful Digital Communications Act
These cases have drawn attention to the Harmful Digital Communications Act (HDCA), with advocates and experts calling for a review of the Act and the HDCA Approved Agency, Netsafe.
In one case, Christchurch MP Sara Templeton went to court under the HDCA to determine who was behind a sustained campaign of online harassment against her. Sara shared her story with media outlet Stuff, highlighting how she worked with Netsafe. Journalist Michelle Duff has also highlighted politicians experiences of gender-based online violence, abuse and threats.
While Sara Templeton's case highlights a successful outcome through the HDCA, another case highlights limitations and opportunities for improvement. Media outlet Newsroom highlighted the experiences of two women whose former partner used the HDCA to further harass them. The women had previously each had a relationship with the man, each woman had a protection order against him, and he had been convicted of breaching both protection orders. The man made a complaint to Netsafe under the HDCA against one of the women. Netsafe provided him with information which he used to file court proceedings under the HDCA against both women and a third woman, who had supported the victims. Netsafe refused requests from the women to release information to them about the complaint. One of the women filed a complaint with the Office of the Privacy Commissioner who found that Netsafe had breached the Privacy Act and had interfered with the women's privacy, and referred the three women to the Director of Human Rights Proceedings. The Human Rights Review Tribunal found that Netsafe breached and interfered with the privacy of the three women, and has ordered Netsafe to pay $100,000 in damages.
Newsroom spoke to the women whose privacy was breached, reporting that "...two of the women demanded greater scrutiny of the $4 million in public contracts that have been awarded to Netsafe, and of any public funding sought by Cocker's new company, the Online Safety Exchange Ltd." Martin Cocker is the former CEO of Netsafe and was ultimately responsible for the decisions related to this case. He resigned in November 2021. Newsroom also reported that one of the women also raised concerns about Netsafe's understanding of "...the nuances of coercive control and abuse" and whether the organisation was appropriate "...to be funded as an agency to assist victim survivors of abuse."
In a November 2021 article victim advocate Ruth Money and lawyers Arran Hunt and Kathryn Dalziel called for improvements in the HDCA process and protections. They also called for improvements in training and response for both Police and Netsafe in relation to victims of violence.
In an August 2021 interview with RNZ, legal researcher Paulette Benton-Greig noted gaps in the options available to victim survivors to receive assistance and support under the HDCA or when working with Netsafe, such as cases where the person refuses to remove the digital communication but the victim survivor does not want to take action through the courts. She also highlighted the lack of options for further accountability or education for individuals who cause harm after the initial online incident is resolved through Netsafe.
Changes to laws addressing harmful digital content
The Harmful Digital Communications Act 2015 was recently amended through the Harmful Digital Communications (Unauthorised Posting of Intimate Visual Recording) Amendment Act 2022, which came into effect in March 2022. It amends the HDCA to make it an offence if a person posts intimate visual recordings without the consent of the person in the recording, or if the person is reckless as to whether the victim has given consent. The changes also include the ability for the Court to make interim orders during proceedings which can include orders to take down or disable the material. Previously, to be considered an offence it had to be proven that the person who shared the content intended to cause harm, and the harm had to meet a threshold. The Ministry of Justice news on the Changes to New Zealand’s Harmful Digital Communications Law noted "The new offence recognises that it is inherently harmful to share an intimate visual recording of someone without their permission. The Police now only need to prove in court that the content has been shared or posted without consent – there is no requirement to prove harm." For more information see the Netsafe summary of the Amendment Act.
The Films, Videos, and Publications Classification Act 1993 was recently amended by the Films, Videos, and Publications Classification (Urgent Interim Classification of Publications and Prevention of Online Harm) Amendment Act 2021, which came into law in February 2022. It amends the Act to criminalise the livestreaming of objectionable material and introduces new enforcement tools for government. For more information see the Te Tari Taiwhenua | Department of Internal Affairs media release New tools to deal with harmful illegal material online and information on NZ’s process for responding to violent extremism online.
More information
In March 2022 the Australian Government eSafety Commissioner published Women in the Spotlight: Women’s experiences with online abuse in their working lives. The research involved a survey of 1,491 women who were working or had recently worked, and 20 interviews with women who had experienced online abuse in their working lives. One in three women surveyed experienced online abuse in a work context. We have previously highlighted research and information about gender based cyber violence in Aotearoa New Zealand and legislation and policy work in Europe to address gender based cyber violence.
The Disinformation Project published a brief on Understanding mis- and disinformation in Aotearoa New Zealand (November 2021) and a Working Paper: Mis- and disinformation in Aotearoa New Zealand from 17 August to 5 November 2021 (November 2021). The Disinformation team is an interdisciplinary team brought together by Te Pūnaha Matatini, a Centre of Research Excellence hosted by the University of Auckland. Also see the article .nz, harmful content, and how we make the system work by Andrew Cushen, InternetNZ's Interim Chief Executive.
We have previously highlighted the links between violent extremism and violence against women. In addition, this article on Assessing Misogyny as a ‘Gateway Drug’ into Violent Extremism (January 2022) explores the links between misogyny and extremism including violence that takes place online. Also see the new report Understanding the Links between Gender-Based Violence and Mass Casualty Attacks: Private Violence and Misogyny as Public Risk (April 2022).
Related news
The Government is reviewing the Search and Surveillance Act 2012. The Act controls how Police and other law enforcement agencies can search people or property and carry out surveillance. Some parts of the Act are relevant for victim survivors of family violence. For example the Act has relevance in cases of child exploitation material, in situations expanding a digital search warrant to internet-based data, and warrantless searches for high-risk offenders with patterns of serious sexual or violent offending who have tampered with their electronic monitoring device. The review is part of the Government’s response to the Royal Commission of Inquiry into the terrorist attack on the Christchurch masjidain on 15 March 2019. The Ministry of Justice also notes that "...the Law Commission and the Ministry of Justice reviewed the Act in 2016/17 and made 67 recommendations, which have yet to be considered by Government."
The review is taking a phased approach. The first phase involves working with Māori Treaty partners and with ethnic, faith-based, youth, rainbow, and other interested communities between April and June 2022. The second phase will involve wider public engagement.
Related media
Filmmaker Rosie Morris on the reality of deepfake porn, RNZ, 04.11.2023
Piripi Winiata | Lawyer and facilitator for Netsafe [interview], Waatea News, 29.07.2022
How new Netsafe CEO Brent Carey plans to clean house, NZ Herald, 25.07.2022
Meet the man tasked with making the internet safe, The Spinoff, 12.07.2022
Govt learns of undisclosed Netsafe exit package through the media – again, Newsroom, 09.06.2022
Netsafe made secret exit payment to advisor accused of domestic assault, Newsroom, 08.06.2022
Playing catch-up to protect kids from digital harm, RNZ, 29.05.2022
Anti-bullying agency Netsafe apologises to government but not to victims, Newsroom, 20.05.2022
Publicly funded anti-bullying agency Netsafe faces new employment case, Newsroom, 13.05.2022
Chief Censor on ‘operating at the bottom of the cliff’, Newsroom, 05.05.2022
UK watchdog will have power to impose huge fines on big tech firms, The Guardian, 05.05.2022
White supremacism biggest source of illegal content - DIA report, RNZ, 28.04.2022
Apple launches new child safety feature in New Zealand, RNZ, 27.04.2022
EU law targets big tech over hate speech, disinformation, One News, 25.04.2022
How Netsafe went from championing online safety to fighting bullying claims, The Front Page podcast, 19.04.2022 (also see the related article Chris Keall: Privacy breach payout is third strike for Netsafe, NZ Herald, 07.04.2022)
PM: Online abuse has become worse but it can get better, Te Ao Mārama, 13.04.2022
Thousands of Kiwi women impacted by partner-led cyber abuse, One News, 12.04.2022
Violent misogynistic language 'unthinkable' a few years ago, NZ spy boss says, Stuff, 11.04.2022
Followed, threatened and abused — being a Māori advocate in the pandemic, Stuff, 09.04.2022
'Indictment on our society': Minister for women condemns misogynistic abuse, Stuff, 08.04.2022
Embattled, cash-strapped Netsafe faces ruling on human rights breaches, Newsroom, 25.03.2022
Netsafe announces Brent Carey as new CEO, Netsafe media release, 22.03.2022
2 years in prison or $50K fine for ‘revenge porn’ offenders, One News, 03.03.2022
‘Emotionally disturbing’ - Revenge porn victim’s battle for justice, One News, 02.03.2022
Bullying inquiry: Netsafe is not safe, say employees, Newsroom, 15.12.2021
The Ministry of Education's Relationships and Sexuality Education guidelines were updated in 2020. The new resources are designed to support using the new guidelines to plan for teaching, learning, and assessment in relationships and sexuality education.
The resource collection includes six videos that highlight examples of effective practice of schools in Aotearoa New Zealand for different parts of the guidelines.
The collection also includes an overview for programme planning considerations and individual guides addressing:
- Effective pedagogy in relationships and sexuality education
- Relationships and sexuality education progressions
- Relationships and sexuality education key learning and the underlying concepts of health and physical education
- Frequently queried topics by student years.
Other resources in the collection include an interactive Guide to LGBTIQA+ students and the guide Ka huri i te kōrero: changing the conversation around pornography, developed jointly by the Ministry of Education and the Classification Office to support school teachers to talk about pornography.
In announcing the resources, Associate Education Minister Jan Tinetti said “These new resources reflect feedback that schools need to take more action against bullying, violence, and child abuse, to be more inclusive, and to help students recognise the importance of diversity and respect in relationships. The new resources, along with the curriculum guide released in 2020, are our response to these calls.”
Related news
The announcement of the resources has prompted calls for compulsory consent education (see related media below). However, Associate Professor Melanie Beres has previously written about the need to move beyond consent education, commenting that
"If we want to reduce Aotearoa’s sexual violence rates, we need to shift our focus from solely teaching young people about consent and instead work to dismantle harmful gender norms that have trapped our youth for generations."
Media outlet Stuff has reported that ACC has confirmed that funding for Mates & Dates healthy relationships programme will end in December 2022. The Mates & Dates programme aims to prevent sexual and dating violence by teaching young people the knowledge and skills to engage in safe, healthy and respectful relationships. Stuff further reported that ACC is working with the Ministry of Education to evolve healthy consensual relationships education for young people as part of the national strategy Te Aorerekura.
Related media
Ready Steady Learn w/ Marta Estellés: April 26, 2022, 95bfm, 26.04.2022 (for more information see the Arts Beyond Borders website)
Dawn Picken: Let's talk about sex - part II, Bay of Plenty Times, 23.04.2022
Schools look out for rainbow policies, Waatea News, 20.04.2022
'Contraception never came up': sex ed in Catholic high schools, Re:News, 20.04.2022
Students welcome inclusive sexuality education, One News, 13.04.2022
Government gives school sex education a refresh but it won't be compulsory, Newshub, 13.04.2022
The Department of Internal Affairs (DIA) is leading the consultation.
The closing date to make a submission is 28 April 2022.
The Government is seeking public feedback on options for changes to the pokies (Class 4) Gambling (Harm Prevention and Minimisation) Regulations 2004.
Data from the 2020 Health and Lifestyles Survey indicates that about 10 percent of New Zealanders play pokies, with one in five players considered to be at-risk from gambling harm. In announcing the review, Internal Affairs Minister Jan Tinetti said pokies are the most harmful form of gambling in Aotearoa New Zealand, saying “Harmful pokies gambling accounts for the majority of referrals to gambling treatment providers, and for much of the second-hand gambling harm experienced by a gambler’s whānau and friends.”
She went on to say:
“Gambling harm tends to affect those who can least afford it and may already be experiencing social or financial challenges. This includes our Māori and Pacific communities. Gambling can not only lead to debt, but financial hardship, family violence, relationship strain and difficulties sustaining employment, among other harms.
“We encourage any community or individual who wishes to get involved with the review to have their say, by providing feedback and ideas on the proposed changes.
“We have the chance to create serious change. Feedback from public consultation in addition to harm treatment providers, societies and gambling venues will help us create regulations informed by gamblers, their whānau and friends, and people who work with those experiencing harm.”
The discussion document for the review outlines three focus areas with questions for each area:
"Part 1: Reducing harm in venues (identifying and responding to signs of harmful gambling, and better staff training)
Part 2: Reducing harm from pokie machines (changes to machine features that could make them safer)
Part 3: Reducing harm through stronger compliance (penalties and enforcement)."
DIA has provided a submission form. Submissions can be emailed to pokiesconsultation@dia.govt.nz or posted to:
Gambling Policy Team
Department of Internal Affairs
PO Box 805
Wellington 6140
This work aligns with the Government’s current Strategy to Prevent and Minimise Gambling Harm 2022/23 to 2024/25 and is one of several areas of work to reduce harm from gambling in Aotearoa New Zealand.
For more information on pokies see DIA's website on Gambling in Pubs and Clubs (Class 4).
Research has shown there are links between gambling and family violence. For more information search our library under the topic problem gambling.
Update: In November 2022, Internal Affairs Minister Jan Tinetti announced changes to strengthen the requirements in venues which have pokie (gambling) machines to reduce the harm they cause people.
Update: The Government announced new regulations the Gambling Harm Prevention and Minimisation Amendment Regulations 2023 to strengthen gambling harm minimisation in class 4 venues following the consultation. For an overview of the changes see Te Tari Taiwhenua | Department of Internal Affairs announcement in June 2023 about the Updated Legislation to Minimise Gambling Harm and the Beehive media release Government delivers changes to reduce pokies harm.
Related media
Government invests to minimise gambling harm, Beehive Media Release, 27.06.2022
Pokies sucked more than $8 million out of this small Waikato district in a year, Stuff, 17.04.2022
Pokies ‘legislated waste of money’, Gisborne Herald, 30.03.2022
Māori encouraged to submit on pokies review, Waatea News, 18.03.2022
Pokie machines review to help Pasifika gambling support groups, PMN News, 18.03.2022
Pokies under fire as rules review kicks off, Te Ao Māori News, 17.03.2022
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