Families Commission

The Families Commission provides a voice for New Zealand families and whānau. We speak out for all families to promote a better understanding of family issues and needs among government agencies and the wider community.

Established in 2004, we are an autonomous Crown agency governed by a board of commissioners.

We:

  • Listen – identify issues by talking with families and organisations involved with them
  • Research – promote, commission and publish research on issues that matter to families
  • Act – encourage debate, raise awareness and advocate for positive outcomes for families.

Our specific functions under the Families Commission Act 2003 are to:

  • encourage informed debate about families
  • increase public awareness and promote better understanding of matters relating to the interests of families
  • play a part in shaping government policies that promote or serve the interests of families
  • consider any matter relating to the interests of families referred to us by any Minister of the Crown
  • stimulate research into families, for example by funding and undertaking research
  • consult with, or refer matters to, other official bodies or statutory agencies.

Under the Act, we are mandated to focus on families generally, and cannot advocate on behalf of individual families or cases.

For more information visit the Families Commission’s website.

Project 2011
White Ribbon Day

White Ribbon Day (25 November) offers men the opportunity to be part of the solution to end violence against women. Violence is endemic within New Zealand. One in three women are victims of violence from a partner, while on average fourteen women are killed each year by a member of their own family.

White Ribbon is a campaign led by men who condemn violence against women and take action. We are part of a global campaign committed to ending violence against women. You can help effect change by supporting White Ribbon. Wearing a white ribbon is a personal pledge to never commit, condone or remain silent about violence against women. In 2011 our campaign focus will be on two things: what men can do to change attitudes toward violence; and developing a narrative around positive male role models.

There are many ways you can get involved in this year’s White Ribbon campaign – take part in the White Ribbon Ride, sign the White Ribbon pledge, follow us on Twitter and Facebook or even organise an event within your community. For tips on organising White Ribbon events or to find out what is happening in your region check out the Events tab. 

The Families Commission is proud to lead this initiative in New Zealand and we are very thankful to the many agencies who support the campaign, specifically the Ministry of Social Development and Te Puni Kōkiri who assist us with funding. I hope that together, we will make a difference and look forward to an exciting and vibrant campaign. Visit their website for more information.

  • Engagement with Auckland Communities: For this year, the White Ribbon Day will  focus on connecting and building linkages with men from Auckland’s communities. In addition to other activities, a local breakfast event is being planned.
  • Engagement with Ethnic Communities: For this year, there will be a focus on building the presence of White Ribbon Day  for Ethnic communities. To reach out to the men in the various communities, posters in community languages have been printed. There will also be an ethnic community event taking plan in Wellington.

 

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