Rise for Animals 2026
Tēnā koe!
SAFE is excited to bring you the 2026 Rise for Animals Summit – a first-of-its-kind gathering for anyone who cares about creating a better future for animals in Aotearoa. Whether you’re already involved in animal advocacy, work in rescue or rehab, want to boost your knowledge for your career, or just want to understand the big issues animals face in Aotearoa, this is for you!
Are you ready to make a difference?
This summit is all about learning, collaborating, and sharing bold ideas to make real change happen.
Featuring a stacked lineup of incredible speakers, Rise for Animals is your chance to level up your knowledge, connect with passionate changemakers and people in your community, and leave inspired with the tools to make an impact.
Be a part of the movement – don’t miss out!
What to expect...
Inspiring Speaker Sessions
Hear from leading voices on what’s really going on for animals in Aotearoa. We’ll dig into the limitations of our current laws, the harsh realities of factory farming, and the systemic issues weaved throughout New Zealand’s animal welfare system. These sessions will give you a clear picture of where change is most needed – and how you can be a part of it.
Expert Panel Discussions
Join in on the conversation with activists, scientists, legal experts, and movement leaders, where they’ll break down complex topics and share fresh perspectives on how we can push for real progress for animals in Aotearoa.
Skills-Focused Workshops
Effective animal advocacy: What is the problem you are trying to solve?
We all want to make the biggest impact on the lives of animals and the first step in developing a successful campaign is defining the overall problem, identifying the specific causes and their consequences.
Because how you define a problem will determine how you work on it: what tactics you will use to solve the issue. This 40 minute interactive session will provide you with tools to be able to understand the root causes so you can identify the specific solutions that will have the most impact.
Rangatahi-Focused Session
Spotlighting the voices of young animal advocates, this space invites connection, idea-sharing, and a deeper understanding of how we can work together to challenge systems that exploit animals. Expect to be empowered with concepts and tools valuable to young people determined to create a just future for animals.
All tickets includes provided food:
Morning Tea provided by Future Foods Foundation
Lunch & Afternoon Tea provided by Mudita
Sausage sizzle provided by Tonzu
Please note: all food on site will be 100% vegan.
This event is for everyone, so if you have any allergies or dietary requirements, please don't hesitate to get in touch. We will do our best to accommodate most dietary needs, although we can't guarantee we can cater for every requirement. If you have an uncommon allergy or dietary restriction, please let us know in advance and we'll do our best to provide a suitable option.
Speakers & Facilitators
Chris Delforce - Farm Transparency Project
Chris Delforce has investigated over one hundred farms, slaughterhouses and other animal exploitation facilities across Australia and internationally. Chris founded Farm Transparency Project (originally Aussie Farms) in 2014, and has written, directed and edited two award-winning feature-length documentaries: Lucent (2014), and Dominion (2018).
Dr. Marcelo Rodriguez Ferrere - NZALA / UoA
Dr. Marcelo is an Associate Professor at Auckland Law School and the President of the New Zealand Animal Law Association, who has has engaged in research on animal law in Aotearoa for over a decade.
Tara Jackson - Beyond Animal Research
Tara Jackson is the Co-Founder of Beyond Animal Research (BAR), a New Zealand charity dedicated to ending animal experimentation by working with the scientific and research community to accelerate the uptake of ethical, effective science that is free from animal harm. With more than a decade on the frontlines of cruelty-free science advocacy, Tara has helped drive real and lasting change for animals used in research, testing, and teaching. She is known for bringing together scientists, advocates, and decision-makers to advance ethical, effective, and animal-free approaches that benefit animals, people, and the environment.
Niamh O'Flynn - Greenpeace Aotearoa
Niamh O'Flynn is the Program Director at Greenpeace Aotearoa. Niamh will be filling in for Greenpeace Aotearoa's Freshwater Campaigner Will Appelbe to talk to us about the destructive impact of New Zealand's dairy industry on animals, the environment, and our communities.
Dr. Luke Wilson - Rourou Kai Ora
Dr. Luke Wilson is a Wellington-based GP, Board Director of Doctors For Nutrition, and co-founder of Rourou Kai Ora, a charitable initiative where young people prepare whole food plant-based, medically tailored meals for people facing health challenges. Board Certified in Lifestyle Medicine, Luke has degrees in medicine and psychology, trained with leading plant-based physicians in the United States, and co-led the BROAD Study: a community-based whole food plant-based lifestyle intervention. Through his work, Luke brings together lifestyle medicine, plant-based nutrition, youth development, and community-based care.
Ben Pearson - World Animal Protection
Ben Pearson is the Country Director at World Animal Protection Australia and Aotearoa New Zealand. He has over 30 years of experience campaigning on environment, animal welfare and social policy issues in Australia and overseas, and has worked for NGOs and government.
Amanda Sorrenson - Vegan Society of Aotearoa New Zealand
Amanda Sorrenson is the Coordinator of the Vegan Society of Aotearoa New Zealand and has spent more than a decade building and supporting grassroots advocacy, education, and community initiatives.
Dr. Judith Samson-French - HUMM
Dr. Judith Samson-French is a graduate of McGill University, the University of Alberta, and the Ontario Veterinary College, with a background spanning wildlife biology, zoo medicine, and mixed animal practice. She founded Banded Peak Veterinary Hospital in the Rocky Mountain Foothills, where she has built a career rooted in a deep commitment to animal welfare. A recipient of the Canadian Veterinary Medical Association Humane Award, Dr. Samson-French is also an author and a tireless voice for the reverence of all life.
Harley McDonald-Eckersall - Farm Transparency Project
Harley has been organising for animal rights for 10 years. At age 19, Harley co-founded her first animal rights group, Young Voices for Animals. Since then, she has organised for groups across Australia and the UK, including Animal Rising (formerly Animal Rebellion), the Animal Justice Party (AUS), the Save Movement and Farm Transparency Project. For the past three years, Harley has shaped Farm Transparency Project's direction and strategy, leading investigations and building campaigns, such as the Ban Gas Chambers and Shut Down Slaughterhouses campaigns.
Jessica Chambers - SAFE
Jessica Chambers is the Head of Campaigns at SAFE, leading strategic advocacy initiatives that create meaningful change for animals across Aotearoa. Combining expertise in campaign strategy, team leadership, stakeholder engagement, and high-impact public advocacy, she has a proven track record of building campaigns that influence public opinion and decision makers.
Mark E. Dunick
Mark E. Dunick is an activist and historian who has been involved in social justice movements in Aotearoa, including animal rights campaigning, for more than thirty years. He has a PhD in history from Victoria University of Wellington and is currently researching and writing about history politics, activism and social movements in Aotearoa and the United Kingdom.
Paula Feehan - SAFE ('From Idea to Impact' workshop facilitator)
Paula is the SAFE campaign manager for the Change the Food System Campaign. She has worked at the intersection of animals, food and climate issues in the UK, Australia and New Zealand.
Mel Wilson
Mel organises Waikato Animal Save, leading outreach events that inspire compassion for animals and encourage veganism. Mel has also been an organiser for the Hamilton and Auckland chapters of Anonymous for the Voiceless, leads a vegan billboard funding group that promotes animal rights, has worked for 'Our Planet Theirs Too 'as a Global Co-ordinator for 'National Animal Rights Day', and currently works for Greenpeace Aotearoa as a telefundraising team leader. She is dedicated to driving progress towards a world free of animal exploitation.
Debra Ashton - SAFE's CEO ('The Future of Animal Advocacy' Panel Host)
Debra became SAFE’s CEO in 2018. A long-time animal advocate, Debra was SAFE’s Managing Director in 2012, after a twenty-five-year career in film and television. Her love of animals and a concern for the way they are treated led Debra to work with a wide number of groups wanting to make positive changes for animals. Previously, she served on the boards of both SAFE and Wellington SPCA, produced and co-presented an animal rights radio programme and has experience as a business owner and journalist.
Gareth Hughes ('The Future of Animal Advocacy' Panelist)
Gareth is the Director of WEAll Aotearoa. He is an author, political commentator for Radio New Zealand and serves in governance roles including on the SAFE board. He was a Member of Parliament for over a decade where he served as the Chairperson of the Social Services and Community Select Committee and was the Greens Animal Welfare spokesperson. Before that was a climate campaigner at Greenpeace. He is a Dad to two teenagers in Wellington where he loves to sail his yacht Avanti.
Lily Carrington (Youth Panel Host)
Lily has a diverse background in grassroots animal rights activism. As youth ambassador for safe, she focuses on empowering young advocates to turn their compassion into action. She is working towards a future that abandons the human-centric worldview and embraces all beings as people, whether they’re human or not.
Evelyn Paynter (Youth Panelist)
Evelyn Paynter was born and raised in Tāmaki Makaurau, where a lifelong love of animals was nurtured by a family that viewed animals as individuals and companions. Her early experiences inspired a lasting commitment to animal welfare and advocacy. Evelyn volunteers with the SPCA, caring for a wide range of animals, and has also contributed to advocacy initiatives with World Vision. She is currently studying Law and Science at the University of Auckland, combining her passion for justice, critical thinking and evidence based problem solving. Alongside her studies, she works at a roller skating rink, as a pet sitter, and in teaching assistant roles.
Aditi Tiwari (Youth Panelist)
Aditi Tiwari is a youth advocate, community organiser, and animal welfare supporter based in Wellington. She recently spoke at Parliament during the Commissioner for Animals petition handover, advocating for stronger independent oversight of animal welfare in Aotearoa and highlighting the important role young people play in advancing animal justice. Through her work with rangatahi across the motu, she has seen firsthand how deeply young people care about animals, environmental protection, and building a more compassionate society. Aditi is also active in climate and community leadership and is passionate about creating a kinder future for animals, people, and the planet.
Antonia Kaib (Youth Panelist)
Originally from Germany, Antonia Kaib moved to New Zealand to travel and study before discovering a passion for animal rights advocacy in 2023. Since then, they have been committed to speaking up for animals and highlighting the connections between animal exploitation, climate change and broader social justice issues. For Antonia, veganism is far more than a lifestyle. It is a worldview grounded in compassion, justice and the belief that all beings deserve equal moral consideration.
Daniel Eric Matthew Clayton (Youth Panelist)
Daniel Eric Matthew Clayton has been vegan for more than seven years and is a passionate animal rights advocate. Originally from Christchurch and now based in Auckland, Daniel is committed to advancing animal liberation through education, outreach and community engagement. As a member of the executive team of the University of Canterbury Animal Rights Club in 2025, Daniel helped organise events and educational initiatives on campus, including film screenings, outreach campaigns, and vegan community events. Outside of advocacy, he produces electronic music and enjoys exploring his passion for cooking.
Terms & Conditions of Ticket Sale & Entry
1. Event Purpose and Scope
This event is organised to promote education, dialogue, and advocacy relating to animal rights, animal welfare, and associated ethical issues. Attendees are expected to engage in good faith and in alignment with the purpose and values of the event.
All presentations are given for educational, and/or entertainment reasons.
2. Ticket Purchase and Registration
• All tickets must be purchased through official channels authorised by the Organiser.
• Tickets are valid only for the individual named at registration unless otherwise specified.
• Tickets are non-transferable, and non-refundable. Entry is permitted only to the named ticket holder. Entry will be permitted only after verification of identity with a valid photo ID (driving licence, passport, etc).
• IMPORTANT INFORMATION: No pseudonyms when booking tickets. Photo ID to be shown upon entry. If the name you booked with does not match that which is on your ID, you will not be permitted entry.
• The Organiser reserves the right to refuse entry where a ticket has been obtained fraudulently or in breach of these Terms.
• All rights of entry are reserved at the discretion of the event organisers. The event organisers may refuse entry to any individual with no need to give any reason.
3. Refunds, Transfers, and Cancellations
• Refund requests must be submitted in writing events@safe.org.nz
• Full refunds are available for cancellations made at least 14 days prior to the event start date.
• No refunds will be issued within 14 days of the event except where required by law.
• Ticket transfers may be permitted at the Organiser’s discretion.
4. Event Changes
The Organiser reserves the right to make reasonable changes to the event programme, speakers, venue, schedule, or format. Such changes do not automatically entitle attendees to a refund.
All publicised speakers are indicative, and subject to change without prior notice. The views of the speakers do not necessarily reflect the opinions of the summit organisers, or associated organisers.
5. Code of Conduct and Behaviour
• Attendees must behave respectfully towards speakers, staff, volunteers, and other participants.
• Harassment, intimidation, discriminatory conduct, abusive language, or disruptive behaviour will not be tolerated and may result in removal from the event without refund.
• Any individual may be asked to leave the event by the event organisers immediately, without refund.
6. Engagement and Participation
• Participants are encouraged to engage respectfully in discussions and question sessions.
• Disagreement must be expressed constructively and without hostility.
7. Health, Safety, and Wellbeing
• Attendees must comply with all health and safety instructions issued by the Organiser or venue staff.
• Attendance is at the participant’s own risk, except where liability cannot be excluded under New Zealand law.
8. Catering and Food Safety
Food and beverages are provided for general catering purposes. While reasonable efforts will be made to accommodate notified dietary requirements, the Organiser cannot guarantee the absence of allergens or cross contamination. Attendees with allergies eat at their own discretion.
9. Public Health Measures
• Attendees agree to comply with all applicable public health requirements in place at the time of the event.
• The Organiser reserves the right to implement reasonable health measures and to refuse entry or require departure where public health requirements are not followed.
• Failure to comply does not entitle the attendee to a refund except where required by law.
10. Photography and Recording
The event may be photographed, filmed, livestreamed, or otherwise recorded. By attending, participants consent to the use of their image, voice, and likeness for promotional, educational, or archival purposes.
11. Accessibility
The Organiser aims to make the event accessible. Participants with access needs are encouraged to contact the Organiser in advance so reasonable adjustments can be considered.
12. Privacy
Personal information collected during registration will be handled in accordance with the Privacy Act 2020 and the Organiser’s privacy policy.
13. Limitation of Liability
To the maximum extent permitted by law, the Organiser is not liable for indirect or consequential loss, including loss of enjoyment, travel costs, or accommodation costs.
14. Governing Law
These Terms and Conditions are governed by the laws of New Zealand.
15. Acceptance of Terms
By purchasing a ticket or attending the event, participants confirm that they have read, understood, and agreed to these Terms and Conditions.
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Not ready to take the plunge yet?
Sign up for our action network to stay in touch. We'll let you know the details about our speakers, vendors and all the exciting bits and pieces as they are confirmed. You'll also learn about other ways you can help animals in Aotearoa, online, and through events and actions: https://safe.org.nz/get-involved/safe-animal-network/ You can also click 'interested' on our Facebook event for updates about speakers and event details before or after you buy your tickets! https://www.facebook.com/share/1baDZrEnHX/
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