Pressure is mounting on the Government to halt proposed cuts to the agency responsible for coordinating Aotearoa’s response to family and sexual violence, with critics warning the move could undermine years of progress in protecting vulnerable whānau.
The Green Party and advocacy groups are calling for the proposed reductions at the Centre for Family Violence and Sexual Violence Prevention to be scrapped, arguing the changes come at a time when demand for prevention, education and support services remains high.
The Centre, which is hosted by the Ministry of Justice, leads the implementation of the national strategy and action plan aimed at preventing family violence and sexual violence across New Zealand. The agency also works alongside government departments, community providers and frontline organisations to coordinate prevention efforts and strengthen support systems.
Under the proposal currently being consulted on, dozens of positions could be lost, including roles focused on community engagement, training and national coordination. Critics say the reductions risk weakening the country’s ability to respond to one of its most persistent social challenges.
Concerns have also been raised about the impact on Māori and Pacific communities, who continue to experience disproportionately high rates of family violence and often rely on community-led prevention programmes and culturally grounded support services.
Advocates warn that reducing national coordination capacity could place additional pressure on community organisations already dealing with funding uncertainty and growing demand for services.
The proposed changes come as New Zealand continues efforts to address intergenerational harm, improve outcomes for tamariki and whānau, and implement long-term strategies designed to prevent violence before it occurs.
Opponents of the cuts argue that sustained investment is essential to maintain momentum and ensure communities have access to the resources, training and support needed to keep whānau safe.
Consultation on the proposed restructure remains underway, with unions and sector organisations expected to make formal submissions opposing the changes before a final decision is made.
