ARCS Manawatū

11/06/2026

A recently released report from Our Watch and The University of Melbourne’s Youth Research Collective has found rangatahi are forming attitudes about gender, s*x and relationships earlier than ever, and at the same time they are navigating growing risks online. See the full article which includes a link to the report below:

A new report highlights the urgent need for earlier, more comprehensive education that addresses the issues young people are facing today.

05/06/2026

The Centre for Family Violence and Sexual Violence Prevention has recently released the Sexual Violence Workforce Capability Frameworks (2026). The Capability Frameworks set out guidelines and benchmarks for a shared language and understanding for s*xual violence workers and organisations. Check out the website below for the Capability Frameworks and the supporting companion guide.

29/05/2026

The Social Services and Community Committee is calling for submissions on the Deepfake Digital Harm and Exploitation Bill. The bill would change the definition of “intimate visual recording” within the Crimes Act 1961 and the Harmful Digital Communications Act 2015 to include images that are created, synthesised, or altered to appear to be intimate visual images. Consultation closes Friday, 19 June 2026. For more information check out the below website.

22/05/2026

RespectEd, one of the country's few specialist s*xual violence prevention organisations may close in August unless the government steps in with funding. RespectEd Aotearoa is an organisation specialising in the prevention of s*xualised violence and its harm. They work with workplaces, schools, government and communities across Aotearoa New Zealand. Read more below:

RespectEd says it has exhausted all financial options and needs government funding to stay afloat.

15/05/2026

Today is Pink Shirt Day which is a day focused on reducing bullying and celebrating the diversity in our communities. The official Pink Shirt website has information on what bullying is and how you can help prevent it.

It isn’t uncommon to hear someone say something insensitive or mean to someone else. Although these comments or actions are not okay, bullying has some specific features that make it much more serious and harmful.

08/05/2026

This week is New Zealand Sign Language (NZSL) week. Each year NZSL Week serves as a platform to dismantle barriers, dispel misconceptions, and foster greater inclusion. For more information and resources check out the official website:

ABOUT NZSL WEEK NZSL AWARDS LEADERs’ CHALLENGE NZSL Week ResourcesWhat Makes This Week so Special?Every May, Deaf Aotearoa takes centre stage to organise New Zealand Sign Language Week, a vibrant celebration of one of the country’s official languages, alongside te reo Māori. New Zealand Sign L...

17/04/2026

The first response a survivor receives when they come forward can deeply influence their healing journey. Sexual Assault Awareness Month is a reminder to ensure that when anyone speaks up, they’re met with belief and support.

10/04/2026

April is Sexual Assault Awareness Month, and the theme is Start by Believing. This is a global movement which aims to change how communities respond to discloses of harm. At its core, the campaign encourages people to respond with belief
and compassion. by Believing

26/03/2026

A parliamentary petition has been launched calling for the amendment of the Crimes Act 1961 to raise the age of consent to 18 in contexts where the older person holds a position of authority or trust. Under current New Zealand law, the age of consent is 16 regardless of the nature of the relationship. As a result, when a teacher, coach, tutor, or youth leader engages in s*xual activity with a 16- or 17-year-old in their care, the law does not adequately recognise the inherent imbalance of authority, trust, and power that defines such relationships. Sign the petition here:

20/03/2026

Te Wāhi Wāhine o Tāmaki Makaurau (Auckland Womens Centre) has a petition calling for the return of Tiriti-based, LGBTIQ+ inclusive Relationships & Sexuality Education in Schools. This is seen as a key tool for primary prevention of stalking, family violence and s*xual violence. To read more and to sign the petition click below.

The importance of effective violence prevention cannot be overstated: for example, around a third of women in Aotearoa NZ have experienced s*xual violence [8] and many more experience non-s*xual relationship violence. We need to use all the tools we can to change such entrenched violence.  Than...