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

Save-Future-Tall

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.

FF-16th-Birthday

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.

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.

Active Intelligence

Video Show and Podcast
Join Aaron Ironside as he tackles the issues of the day and brings you, the viewer, to a deeper understanding of both sides of significant social debates

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'.

Porn Inquiry NZ

The negative effects of pornography
Porn Inquiry NZ is a project of Family First, investigating the public health effects and social harms of pornography.

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.

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.

Other Websites

nzfamily.tv – Family First TV – family friendly movies online

forumonthefamily.nz – Forum on the Family – annual conference

lovethemboth.nz – Abortion Legislation Act 2020 – FACT SHEET

saynopetodope.nz – Say Nope To Dope (Cannabis)

askmefirst.nz – Ask Me First (‘Gender Identity’)

abortionprocedures.nz – The Biological Reality of Abortions

abortionregret.nz – Real Women. Real Stories.

rejectassistedsuicide.org.nz – Reject Assisted Suicide (Euthanasia)

protectmarriage.org.nz – Same-Sex ‘Marriage’ (Marriage)

chooselife.org.nz – Abortion

haveyoursay.nz – Web-tool for contacting Members of Parliament

nzmarriage.org.nz – NZ Marriage Coalition

voteno.org.nz – Referendum on Anti-Smacking Law

protectgoodparents.org.nz – Research on effects of anti-smacking law, and support for parents

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.

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