Our Purpose & Vision

Vision

A thriving Aotearoa with a fair and equitable justice system.

Mission

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 which is based on good evidence. We are guided by the wisdom of tangata whenua. 

Values

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 are committed to the following values: 

  • honour and give effect to Te Tiriti o Waitangi;

  • courageous independence to ensure we can speak up and speak out for transformative justice; 

  • creativity and imagination to develop and advocate for justice solutions; 

  • whakawhānaungatanga and relationship building to achieve our goals; 

  • 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. 

Theory of Change

By sharing evidence-based information and promoting helpful narratives about justice we can help shift public opinion, and demonstrate a mandate for transformative change to decision-makers and our government.

By building capacity and capability within the justice movement we nurture and influence those who will become our justice leaders of tomorrow.

Strategic Plan 2024 - 2027

Our Strategic Plan 2024 - 2027 guides all our current work and covers three key pillars of work which help to guide public opinion and drive sector-wide support for transformative change in our justice system: 

Capacity & Movement 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 & 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 We do this by replacing outdated narratives about law and order with new conversations about prevention, healing and community well-being - all supported by credible evidence.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 & 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. 

Read our full Strategic Plan for 2024 - 2027 here.