Addressing Sexual Violence in New Zealand

Although we like to think of Aotearoa New Zealand as a safe place to be a woman, rates of sexual violence in our country are far too high. 

You are invited to join us for the launch of the Helen Clark Foundation’s report on Addressing Sexual Violence in New Zealand at 10.30am on Tuesday 2 December at 87 Albert St, Auckland.

The launch will be an opportunity to hear from Rt Hon Helen Clark, Patron of The Helen Clark Foundation; Hon Anne Tolley, Project Ambassador; and members of the research team about the report and its recommendations. 

The report, funded by the Clare Foundation, will make legislative and policy recommendations in four key areas: 

• Changes to the justice system to reduce underreporting of sexual violence and increase the number of cases continuing to resolution;

• Updating the definition of consent in law to an affirmative consent model;

• Addressing the harm from sexually explicit deepfakes;

Eradicating the practice of “virginity testing” in New Zealand. 

After arrival, the event will commence promptly at 11am with a Mihi Whakatau followed by:

• Welcoming remarks from Sue Watson, Director, Connected Leadership 

• Introductions by Murray Bruges, Executive Director, The Helen Clark Foundation 

• Brief remarks from Rt Hon Helen Clark, Patron, The Helen Clark Foundation

• Brief remarks from Ruth Money, Chief Victims Advisor

• Brief remarks from Hon Anne Tolley, Project Ambassador

• Summary of the Report by Sarah Bell, Project Lead, The Helen Clark Foundation

• Panel Discussion with report authors; Dr Emily Henderson, Dr Anna High, Sophia Harré, Chloe Cashmore and Project Ambassador Hon Anne Tolley

• Closing remarks

• Networking with light refreshments

You are also welcome to attend this session online via Zoom. Please select the option to "Attend Online" when ordering your ticket. Please note the online session will commence promptly at 11:00am with the presentation finishing at 12:00pm followed by Q&A. Please be advised that online attendees will not be able to ask questions.