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JustSpeak’s vision is of a thriving Aotearoa with a fair and equitable justice system.
We dream of a society that gives everyone what they need while caring for each other and the planet. Where everyone has a roof over their head, food on the table, and time to spend with loved ones. Where we’ve reimagined justice to be about health and not handcuffs and where we’ve closed the last prison - for good
Our Blueprint for a Just Aotearoa outlines the funding, policy and legislative changes necessary to; build communities (not prisons), decolonise the justice system and ensure every whānau and community have the resources they need to thrive. Read it HERE.
Our mission is to put social wellbeing at the heart of our justice system, by advocating for a public justice sector that prioritises prevention and healing, and legislation and policy are based on good evidence. We are guided by the wisdom of tangata whenua.
We are an independent, people-powered movement committed to the complete transformation of the Aotearoa New Zealand criminal justice system, and we bring people together to reimagine a justice system that works for everyone.
We honour and give full effect to Te Tiriti o Waitangi.
We are committed to working for diversity, inclusion, and shared power, by uplifting the voices and perspectives of those with lived experience of the justice system, and young people who will inherit its future, into the national conversation.
Our courageous independence allows us to speak up and speak out for transformational justice, without influence from political or religious organisations.
Through creativity and imagination, we develop and advocate for justice solutions that uphold mana, dignity and equity.
Our strength lies in whakawhānaungatanga, in building relationships based on trust, transparency and care.
Our strategy covers three key pillars of work which helps to guide public opinion and drive sector-wide support for transformative change in our justice system:
Capacity and Community Building
JustSpeak builds capacity and capability within our community and across the wider justice movement, to achieve lasting systems change. We do this by investing in education and outreach, facilitating volunteer opportunities, and working collaboratively with allied
organisations.
Narrative and Media
To transform the justice system, we need to shift public attitudes and beliefs about justice, linking our collective values to a compelling vision for the future. We do this by replacing outdated narratives about law and order with new conversations about prevention, healing and community well-being - all supported by credible evidence.
Advocacy and Campaigns
Transforming our justice system requires our decision makers to actively improve policy and redirect resources towards social and community wellbeing. We do this by advocating for evidence-based policy and legislation through public campaign work and keeping our government accountable on justice issues.
We are grateful for the generous support of our funders. Ngā mihi nui to the following organisations for enabling our work:
Recent funders:
Borrin Foundation
Clare Foundation
Humans of South Auckland
J R McKenzie
Te Rourou One Aotearoa Foundation
Wilberforce Foundation
Past funders:
Amnesty International Aotearoa New Zealand
Creative New Zealand
Foundation North
Lion Foundation
Lottery Grants Board
Lush
Tindall Foundation
Todd Foundation
Unilever
Wellington Community Trust
Based in Tāmaki Makaurau, Lisa has experience in a wide range of roles in the social service sector including in youth justice and prisoner reintegration, and she is passionate about a restorative approach to justice. She has a Bachelor of Laws/Bachelor of Arts conjoint degree, a BA(Hons) in Development Studies, and a Masters in Social Work.
Originally from Ahuriri Napier, she has been involved in a range of campaigning, including local body politics, Government and social justice kaupapa. This experience helps support our whanau by taking lived experiences to those in positions of power.
Originally from Christchurch, Hayley lives in Paeroa with her husband where they are involved in working alongside disadvantaged groups. The couple founded a Trust to support their work of advocacy and bringing healing from trauma throughout Aotearoa. Hayley has a background in finance, HR, admin, and event management.
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Originally from Tāmaki Makaurau Auckland, Anusha lives in Whitianga and is an experienced communications and fundraising professional. She offers a refreshing mix of strategic thinking, values-based communications and creativity to help for-purpose organisations and social change initiatives grow and thrive.
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He uri ahau nō Kāi Tūāhuriri, nō Ngāti Pikiao, nō Ngāti Mahuta, nō Ngāti Maniapoto anō hoki. I am a fourth year student at the University of Canterbury studying towards a Bachelor of Criminal Justice and a Bachelor of Arts, majoring in Māori and Indigenous studies, and minoring in Te Reo Māori.
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10 years experience in the Police, including in Youth Engagement and Supported Resolutions. Now studying Te Reo Māori full time.
Registered social worker currently working as a Practice Lead advocating for tamariki, rangatahi and whānau within Care and Protection, Mental Health and Youth Justice.
Public law specialist with over 25 years' legal experience specialising in regulation, administrative law and public law litigation
Researcher and PhD Candidate in Criminal Justice at the University of Canterbury Te Whare Wānanga o Waitaha.
Lawyer of 6 years, currently working at the Commerce Commission managing prosecutions under the Fair Trading Act.
Shilo Kino (Ngāpuhi, Ngāti Te Ata, Ngāti Maniapoto) is a Māori author and journalist. She’s written for The Spinoff, Newsroom, and Marae, and her work explores identity, activism, and colonisation.
Kate Tarawhiti (Waikato – Ngaati Whaawhaakia) is a qualified lawyer and experienced advocate for whānau, hapū, and iwi, with over nine years' experience across legal and policy sectors.
The voice of reason and the face of criminal justice reform