Join MP for Wellington Central, Tamatha Paul, for an evening of important discussion about the justice system in Aotearoa. 

We’ll hear from: 

• Dr Luke Oldfield (VUW) – Winning votes with tough on crime policies

• Awatea Mita (Auckland Women’s Centre) on anti-stalking laws and the limits of imprisonment 

• Emily Groen (Wellington Community Justice Project) – Student perspective about the future of our justice system

• Abdur Razzaq (Federation of Islamic Associations NZ) on hate crimes, extremism, and firearms access 

This event sets out to stimulate an evidence-based conversation about our justice system and the impacts of decades of punitive decision-making. We want to equip our communities with tools to see through fear-based rhetoric and push for smarter, more just policies around justice and safety. We can build our communities from a place of care instead of fear. 

The “tough on crime” rhetoric from both major parties has led to harmful, often nonsensical policies, while fueling fear and division. It’s left many wondering: what are the real solutions to harm, and what does safety actually look like? 

Let’s have the hard, nuanced kōrero — and build something better.