About Family First
New Zealand needs a voice that can research and advocate for strong families and safe communities.
Family First NZ has become a household name, advocating for families, and speaking common sense and values on a broad range of family issues in New Zealand. It seeks to promote strong families, marriage, and the value of life, based on principles that have benefited New Zealand for generations. As well as being a dominant voice for family values in the media, Family First also provides Research & Education.
Please consider standing with us as we stand for families
Learn more about our Founder and National Director – Bob McCoskrie
Family First NZ is an incorporated charitable trust
NZBN
9429043037872
Incorporation Number
1800565
Charitable Trust Board Status
Registered
Date of Incorporation
06-Apr-2006
Note: we are no longer registered on the “Charities Register” – a separate register.
Our Focus
Research & Education
Family First NZ’s purposes and aims are:
• to promote and advance research and policy regarding family and marriage
• to participate in social analysis and debate on issues relating to and affecting the family
• to educate the public in their understanding of the institutional, legal and moral framework that makes a just and democratic society possible
• to produce and publish relevant and stimulating material in newspapers, magazines, and other media
• to speak up about issues relating to families
Speaking Up & Public Debate
Family First NZ has been the leading pro-family voice on a number of major public-policy debates in New Zealand. These include the anti-smacking law, the redefinition of marriage, the liberalisation of the abortion law, and the recent cannabis and euthanasia referendums.
Family Matters
New Zealand needs a voice that can research and advocate for strong families and safe communities.
Our Focus
Research & Education
Family First NZ’s purposes and aims are:
• to promote and advance research and policy regarding family and marriage
• to participate in social analysis and debate on issues relating to and affecting the family
• to educate the public in their understanding of the institutional, legal and moral framework that makes a just and democratic society possible
• to produce and publish relevant and stimulating material in newspapers, magazines, and other media
• to speak up about issues relating to families
Speaking Up & Public Debate
Family First NZ has been the leading pro-family voice on a number of major public-policy debates in New Zealand. These include the anti-smacking law, the redefinition of marriage, the liberalisation of the abortion law, and the recent cannabis and euthanasia referendums.
Family Matters
New Zealand needs a voice that can research and advocate for strong families and safe communities.
“New Zealanders need a voice that can research and advocate for strong families and safe communities, which is why we started Family First.”
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
Euthanasia and assisted suicide put many of us in danger.
Nothing in the new End of Life Choice Act guarantees the protection required for
vulnerable people, including the disabled, elderly, depressed
or anxious, and those who feel themselves to be a burden or
who are under financial pressure. The international evidence backs up these concerns
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.
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.”
Spinoff
Who We Are
It’s 2022, and that means it’s our 16th Birthday! 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. SOME OF OUR 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 some families in New Zealand are suffering. Family First will look for some of the solutions through our research and advocacy.
2. COMMON SENSE DOES NOT ALWAYS PREVAIL: Where do we start! When our politicians pass laws which allow brothels to open beside family homes, criminalise good parents who are raising great kids, ignore the benefits of marriage, liberalise alcohol laws, and exclude parents from being informed if their young daughter becomes pregnant, 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 up to date. We’ll also show you how you can respond, when appropriate.
4. FAMILIES NEED A STRONG VOICE: If the flawed anti-smacking law or the lack of parental notification when a teenage is pregnant or the teaching of gender confusion in schools shows us anything, it’s that politicians are all too willing to ignore the views of families when it suits them. It highlights the need for New Zealand families to have a strong and unified way to voice their concerns and opinions to those in positions of power. Family First is a straightforward way to achieve that objective.
How does Family First watch out for NZ familes?
COMMUNICATION: Family First is a leading voice on family issues in the media and public domain.
RESEARCH: Promoting and advancing research and policies which support marriage, families, and safe communities as foundational to a strong and enduring society.
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 and bringing in international experts; producing and publishing relevant and stimulating material in newspapers, magazines, and other media; 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.
More about Family First
Family First Websites & Projects
Family First NZ has been the leading pro-family voice on a number of major public-policy debates in New Zealand. These include the anti-smacking law, the redefinition of marriage, the liberalisation of the abortion law, and the recent cannabis and euthanasia referendums. 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 equipped and empowered to speak up on a specific issue. Check out the links below to take you to the specific campaign website.
Featured Websites
McBlog
Bob McCoskrie's Blog
The blog of Family First National Director, Bob McCoskrie.
Woke Up NZ
Exposing woke businesses in NZ
Browse our database of New Zealand businesses and see how woke they are. You can decide for yourselves who to do business with and who to avoid.
Value Your Vote
Voting resource for families
We are pleased to offer this guide as a helpful resource to aid you in making an informed decision when you vote.
Say Nope To Dope
Say NO to legalising drugs
This website was setup to inform Kiwis and help them vote NO in the 2020 cannabis referendum. We succeeded in that mission. However the fight to prevent drug legalisation continues, so this website remains active with latest news and research.
Forum on the Family 2024
Protecting the next generation
Not to be missed – the 16th annual New Zealand Forum on the Family is bringing together some exceptional international speakers. The family forum also brings together a national network of family-focused organisations, scholars, leaders and individuals.
Have Your Say
Communicate with MPs
It is important that our elected representatives hear your voice on issues that are important to you and your family.
Free To Live
Stories on Gender & Sexulality
People to share their gender change and sexuality change experiences, and explain why they oppose the proposed ban on 'conversion therapy'.
Choose Life
Pro Life website
Get informed, and let’s work together to make abortion “unthinkable” for the majority of New Zealanders. We love both the mother and her unborn child.
Abortion Procedures
Abortion statistics and procedures
Before you try to defend abortion, be sure you know what you’re defending. Know the truth - the biological reality of abortions
Other Websites
lovethemboth.nz – Abortion Legislation Act 2020 – FACT SHEET
askmefirst.nz – Ask Me First (‘Gender Identity’)
abortionregret.nz – Real Women. Real Stories.
rejectassistedsuicide.org.nz – Reject Assisted Suicide (Euthanasia)
You can make a difference
Join the grassroots movement to promote marriage, family and the value of life. Your financial support and membership will help Family First to promote these ideas and policies that have a lasting, positive influence on New Zealand society.