1,000 signatures reached
To: The House of Representatives of Aotearoa New Zealand
Stand Against Harassment in the Name of Culture and Faith
We, the undersigned, call on the Government to take immediate action to stop harassment and intimidation of communities under the guise of culture, faith, or moral authority. Aotearoa should be a place where everyone is valued and respected, where communities can express their culture safely and free from fear of harassment and intimidation.
Why is this important?
Across Aotearoa, vulnerable communities including migrants, refugees, LGBTQIA+ people, faith groups, and tangata whenua are experiencing harm, fear, and exclusion caused by extremist groups or individuals who misuse faith, culture, or moral authority to intimidate. Misuse of haka, tikanga Māori, and religious belief as tools of intimidation violates our shared values, diminishes mana, and harms the safety and dignity of all.
We call on the Government to
1. Recognise organised harassment as a serious threat and respond decisively
2. Protect public and community spaces including schools, libraries, places of worship, and community services
3. Ensure consequences for leaders and groups who repeatedly target and harass communities
4. Affirm the right of all communities to exist, gather, and practise their culture, community, and faith safely
Aotearoa is strongest when difference is met with care, respect, and collective responsibility. We urge Parliament to act decisively to protect communities, uphold mana, and create a future grounded in dignity, safety, and collective care.