Social Justice Aotearoa

04/10/2026

SJA Catch-Up Lunch 🦺💙
Today, over lunch, we took a moment to reflect on an achievement that means a great deal to our organisation.
The new Maritime Transport (Lifejackets on Recreational Craft) Amendment Act 2026 comes into force on 9 October 2026, requiring people on recreational craft 6 metres and under, including paddleboards, kayaks, jetskis and small boats, to wear a lifejacket while underway.
SJA is incredibly proud to have been part of the advocacy that helped bring this life-saving change about. This has been a team effort, and we are grateful to everyone who supported, encouraged and championed safer waterways for all New Zealanders.
Every life saved makes the effort worthwhile.
Wear it. It could save your life.
🦺🚤💙

30/09/2026

E te rangatira, moe mai rā.

Today Aotearoa has lost a great servant of the people with the passing of former Speaker of the House and MP for Te Tai Hauāuru, Adrian Rurawhe.

A man of quiet strength, humility, kindness and unwavering integrity, Adrian carried the mana of his people, his whakapono, and Parliament with dignity and grace. He was respected across all political parties, not because he sought attention, but because he led through wisdom, fairness, and genuine care for others.
As Speaker of the House, he brought calm and respect to one of the country's most challenging environments. As a representative of Te Tai Hauāuru, he remained steadfast in his commitment to his people. Above all, he was a devoted whānau man whose love for his family, church, iwi and community was evident in all he did.

The many tributes flowing from across the political spectrum speak volumes about the impact Adrian had on those around him and on our nation.
Our heartfelt condolences go to his whānau, Te Haahi Rātana, Ngāti Apa, Whanganui iwi, the people of Te Tai Hauāuru, and all who knew and loved him.

Kua hinga tētahi tōtara nui o te wao nui a Tāne. Moe mai rā e te rangatira. Haere, haere, haere atu rā. ❤️

The former Speaker of the House and MP for Te Tai Hauāuru Adrian Rurawhe has died.

03/09/2026

This summer, Aotearoa will finally have clear, consistent lifejacket rules for small boats and we’re proud to say Jackie Foster and Social Justice Aotearoa played a major part in getting this over the line.

For years, Jackie has pushed for stronger water safety laws, meeting with officials, submitting evidence, and standing up for families who’ve lost loved ones. Today’s announcement reflects exactly what we’ve been fighting for: simple rules that save lives.

Too many tragedies have happened because adults weren’t required to wear a lifejacket. That changes now.

This is a massive step forward for water safety in New Zealand, and we’re grateful to everyone who supported this mahi along the way.

Stay safe, whānau and this summer, lifejackets ONSocial Justice Aotearoa

Parliament has passed a bill which updates lifejacket laws across New Zealand.

29/08/2026

As New Zealand offers support to Nepal, we also hold close the people whose lives have been turned upside down. Our thoughts are with every whānau facing loss, uncertainty, and the long road of rebuilding. No one should have to navigate devastation alone, and we stand in solidarity with those carrying the weight of this crisis.

We acknowledge the courage of communities in Nepal, parents protecting their children, neighbours helping neighbours, responders working tirelessly, and families doing everything they can to stay safe. Their strength reminds us why international support matters🙏

New Zealand Red Cross has launched an emergency appeal to support people affected by devastating flash flooding in northern Nepal, where thousands of people may have been affected and some of the worst-hit communities remain cut off.

28/08/2026

Jackie Foster, our CEO attended a public meeting today where representatives from each major party engaged directly with the community. These forums are essential, they give people the chance to ask hard questions, hear unfiltered responses, and hold future decision‑makers to account.

From an advocacy perspective, it was encouraging to see candidates front up and speak to issues that matter to our communities. Jackie appreciated the clarity and grounded approach shown by several speakers, including Labour’s Estefania Muller‑Pallares, whose contributions reflected a solid understanding of local challenges. Moments like these remind us why public dialogue matters, when candidates listen, respond thoughtfully, and respect the room, it strengthens trust and lifts the standard of leadership we expect.

Social Justice Aotearoa will continue to show up in these spaces, not to endorse parties, but to ensure community voices remain central in conversations about policy, justice, and accountability.

26/08/2026

Today the world feels a little heavier. The news of Dolly Parton’s terrible and deeply sad passing has shaken millions, and it’s hard to imagine the world without her unmistakable voice, her kindness, and her unwavering commitment to lifting others up.

Dolly wasn’t just a music icon, she was a force for good. A woman who used her platform to champion literacy, dignity, generosity, and hope. Her Imagination Library changed the lives of countless children. Her songs carried people through heartbreak, joy, struggle, and celebration. Her compassion crossed borders, politics, and generations.

Her legacy is one of love, resilience, and humanity.
Her absence will be felt everywhere.

Social Justice Aotearoa acknowledges her extraordinary life, her contributions to civil kindness, and the joy she brought to the world. Our thoughts are with her family, her loved ones, and the millions grieving this loss.

Rest peacefully, Dolly. Thank you for everything you gave.

The star entertainer had been to New Zealand multiple times.

25/08/2026

Social Justice Aotearoa is watching this closely.

The Government is pushing ahead with a plan to ban social media for under‑16s. Labour is backing the bill, while ACT and NZ First say it goes too far.

The proposal includes massive penalties , up to 10% of a platform’s global revenue, if they fail to verify ages.

There are real questions here about safety, rights, and how far the state should go in controlling young people’s online lives.

Is this protection or overreach?

The government is pressing ahead with its ban on social media for under-16 year olds, with the legislation set to be introduced on Monday.

12/08/2026

The Alan Hall case will go down as one of the darkest stains on New Zealand’s justice system and today’s verdict only deepens that wound.

Two former police officers have walked away not guilty, despite the fact that one of them physically altered a written witness statement. Let that sink in. A sworn statement, changed by hand, in a homicide investigation that destroyed a man’s life. If that isn’t perverting the course of justice, then what on earth is?

This isn’t just a “mistake”. It’s not a “procedural error”. It is a catastrophic failure of integrity inside the police force, and the public deserves better than this endless cycle of excuses and institutional protectionism. Every time accountability is dodged, trust in the system erodes further.

Poor Alan Hall a man who spent decades fighting to prove what should have been obvious from day one. His family carried that burden with him. His mother will be turning in her grave seeing how lightly the people responsible for this injustice are being treated.

New Zealanders deserve a justice system that actually delivers justice. Today’s outcome feels like anything but that.

Families of the two men gasped with relief as the verdicts were read out.

11/08/2026

Jackie attended the Opportunity Party coffee catch‑up today with Holly Knill, who is standing in the North Shore. It was a constructive session with thoughtful discussion and a focus on local issues.The Opportunity Party