Media Release – 28 May 2026
Safety Must Be the Measure of Budget 2026
Women’s Refuge says this year’s budget must be measured by its real-world impact on the safety and wellbeing of women, children, and whānau experiencing violence.
“Budgets are ultimately about people, and for us, that means safety,” said Naomi Ogg, CEO, Women’s Refuge.
“Safety is foundational, not optional. You cannot improve health, education, employment, or wider wellbeing outcomes if people are not safe at home.”
Women’s Refuge says the demand for family violence and crisis support services continues to grow in both scale and complexity, placing increasing pressure on frontline providers.
“Many whānau are already being pushed to breaking point by the ongoing cost of living crisis, including rising housing, food, and energy costs, with little meaningful relief in this budget for those struggling most.”
“When people cannot afford housing or basic necessities, financial stability and achieving safety becomes significantly harder. Financial pressure can trap women and children in unsafe situations for longer, increase stress and instability within households, and create additional barriers to rebuilding lives after violence.
“Without stronger support to ease these pressures, frontline services will continue to see growing demand from whānau facing increasingly complex and urgent circumstances.”
“The bottom line is whānau need continuity of support, not stop-start responses.”
Women’s Refuge says long-term and consistent investment is critical to ensuring services can respond effectively and sustainably.
“The need for support does not pause. Services must be properly resourced to provide consistent, life-saving support to those who need it most.”
Women’s Refuge emphasises that investment in safety should be seen as preventative and economically responsible.
“Investment in safety reduces long-term social and economic costs. Strong, stable support services help create safer homes, healthier communities, and better long-term outcomes for whānau.”
Naomi Ogg said safety must not be treated as an optional extra in budget decisions.
“Safety is not an add-on. It is the foundation upon which all other outcomes depend.”
Editors Notes:
New Zealand’s family violence statistics
• On average, just under 50,000 women and children are referred to Women’s Refuge each year.
• On average Women’s Refuge answers 71 crisis calls per day.
• New Zealand has the highest rates of family violence in the OECD.
• 1 in 3 women will experience abuse in their lifetime in Aotearoa.
• Nearly half of all homicides and reported violent crimes are related to family violence.
• Around 67% of family violence episodes go unreported.
Media Enquiries: Susan Barker Communications, Marketing and Fundraising Manager Susan@refuge.org.nz 027 403 5155
