About Family First
Since 2006, Family First NZ has been a strong advocate for families, championing principles that have benefited New Zealanders for generations. As a leading pro-family and pro-life voice, Family First has played a key role in major public policy debates including opposition to the anti-smacking law, the redefinition of marriage, the liberalisation of abortion laws, and the recent cannabis and euthanasia referendums. In addition to its advocacy work, Family First NZ is dedicated to providing research and education to support families. Family First NZ is an incorporated charitable trust.
“New Zealanders need a voice that can research and advocate for strong families and safe communities, which is why we started Family First. Please consider standing with us as we stand for families.”
In the Media
“Family First’s success is built off being phenomenal networkers and campaigners. They aren’t politicians in the strict sense, but they participate in politics in a way other advocacy groups can only dream of... The group also boasts a genuinely nationwide presence, and could fill a room in pretty much any town in New Zealand… A machine that’s been so influential in shaping and driving conservative politics in New Zealand.”
The Spinoff
Key Issues
Facing New Zealand
We believe that strong families are the foundation for a strong nation. There are many issues and events that are destabilising the Kiwi family, so we believe these need to be identified and resolved so that our social foundations are strengthened not weakened. Family First is NOT a political party and has no intention to be one. Our role is to be a voice for families in the public domain, and to research and advocate for family and marriage issues. We want to fight for the soul of New Zealand.
Here are some of the core issues facing New Zealand.
Family &
Marriage
Family First believes that strong families underpin a strong nation, and that conventional marriage – between a man and woman – is the foundation for a strong family. There is simply no need to re-invent marriage and families in New Zealand. We advocate for families and support the institution of marriage.
Freedom &
Rights
Freedom comes in many forms – freedom of speech, freedom of religion, political and civil liberties, parental freedom to do what’s best for their family. Family First will work tirelessly to protect these fundamental freedoms in our society. This includes opposing ‘conversion therapy’ bans and overreaching ‘hate speech’ laws.
Drugs &
Alcohol
New Zealand is in the midst of a substance misuse epidemic, along with increased mental illness. It’s unsurprising there is a strong correlation between drug use and mental illness, domestic violence, work absenteeism, and other negative outcomes. Family First advocates against drug liberalisation and normalisation.
Gender
Many young people today are wondering if they were “born into the wrong body”, and activists are pushing an agenda that “you can choose your gender” and that the body should be remade to conform with feelings. This transgender trend conveys a confusing message to all children. We believe children should be allowed to grow without needing to question the sex they were born as.
Pro Life
We are anti-abortion, but we also love both the mother and her unborn child. We believe every human being, even the child in the womb, has the right to life. The unborn child has a fundamental human right and should be legally protected. A 2019 poll found strong support for the unborn child having human rights and being legally protected once a heartbeat is detected, and only a small minority thinking that life doesn’t begin until the child is born.
End of Life
Schooling & Education
There can be no more important an issue than what is being taught to our children at schools. As our numeracy and literacy standards decline, we’re deeply concerned with increased teaching of highly controversial topics and ideologies such as gender theory and critical race theory. Many parents are simply unaware of what their children are being taught. This should be concerning to all parents and caregivers.
Media &
Content
The proliferation of the internet and digital technology have improved access to information. The media plays an important role, and is supposed to inform and educate people. But often the media are no longer reporting on the key issues, instead they’re promoting a certain opinion or ideology. The media is also supposed to be a watchdog, but maybe we need to be a watchdog on them.
Porn &
Sex
Pornography has a damaging effect on intimacy, love, and respect. Porn can lead to sex role stereotyping, viewing persons as sexual objects, and family breakdown. If we want to tackle sexual violence, we must first investigate the role that pornography plays and the harm that it does to attitudes & actions. Porn is especially harmful to children and teens, who can easily view disturbing material online.
There are many other issues that Family First researches and comments on, including; * prostitution * gambling * screentime * daycare * child abuse * child poverty * imprisonment and law & order * alcohol abuse and the drinking age * importance of mothers and fathers * step-families & family structure * dinner time * and many more. Check out our Research and Issues page.
A Message From Bob McCoskrie
In 2006 we formed Family First New Zealand, as a voice in the public domain – to champion strong and stable families, to promote the institution of marriage, and to protect life from conception through to natural death. We believe strong marriages and connected families lead to a strong nation. Sadly the reverse is true also. Family breakdown leads to significant social cost – both to individuals and to society. Family First advocates for families, and speaks common sense and values on a broad range of family issues. Watch our short video message.
4 Reasons why NZ families need their own watchdog
1. MANY FAMILIES ARE SUFFERING: The statistics on family breakdown, suicide rates, family violence, child abuse, alcohol abuse, teen pregnancies, and many other issues are ample proof that many Kiwi families are suffering. Family First will look for solutions through our research and advocacy work.
2. COMMON SENSE DOESN’T ALWAYS PREVAIL: When our politicians pass laws which allow brothels to open beside family homes, criminalise good parents, ignore the benefits of marriage, liberalise abortion laws, and so on, it proves the need for someone to promote the best interests of families.
3. FAMILIES ARE OVERLOADED WITH INFO: It’s difficult for busy parents to keep up with the constant avalanche of new issues and research affecting families. Family First will monitor these issues and keep you informed. We’ll also show you how you can respond, when appropriate.
4. FAMILIES NEED A STRONG VOICE: There have been countless laws passed which are not in the best interest of families. In fact our politicians are often willing to ignore the views of families. This highlights the need for New Zealand families to have a strong advocate to voice their concerns and opinions to those in positions of power. Family First is that pro-family voice in the public domain.
How does Family First watch out for NZ familes?
ADVOCACY: Family First is a leading pro-family and pro-life voice in New Zealand, championing principles and policies that have benefited New Zealanders for generations. .
RESEARCH: Promoting and advancing authoritative research and policies which support marriage, families, and safe communities as foundational to a strong and enduring society. Strong families are the foundation for a strong nation.
EDUCATION: Educating the public in their understanding of the institutional, legal and moral framework that makes a just and democratic society possible. This includes hosting conferences with international experts; producing and publishing relevant material and content on key issues; and enabling families to make submissions to local and central government on issues affecting them.
STAYING ALERT: Participating in social analysis and debate, and advocating for families regarding public policy and laws.
JOINING FORCES: Networking with other like-minded groups and academics who are also speaking up for strong families and safe communities.
Family First Websites & Projects
There are many issues and events that are destabilising the kiwi family, so we believe these need to be identified and resolved so that our social foundations are strengthened not weakened. Each of these issues has its own dedicated website so that you can be informed and empowered to speak up on a specific issue…
You can make a difference
Join the grassroots movement to promote marriage, family, and the value of life. Your financial support will help Family First to promote the ideas and policies that have a lasting, positive influence on New Zealand society.
Charitable trust
Family First NZ is an incorporated charitable trust. Date of Incorporation – 6th April 2006.
NZBN 9429043037872. Incorporation Number 1800565. Note: we are no longer registered on the “Charities Register” – a separate register.