Hi <<First Name(s)>>

We'll bring you a report on our Forum on the Family held this week as soon as possible - along with coverage that you can view (for those who wanted to be there but just couldn't make it, and those who did attend and want to re-hear the superb material presented!) But there's a couple of issues that we've spoken up on this week that we want to make you aware of.

We're also off to Parliament tomorrow (Thursday) to support Hillary Kieft in her campaign on Parental Notification. www.hillaryslaw.org.nz

AUDIO: Ryan T. Anderson on Newstalk ZB
You'll be able to watch the presentations from the Forum soon, but in the meantime, here's the discussion that our speaker Ryan T Anderson - author of "Truth Overruled: The Future of Marriage and Religious Freedom" had with Newstalk ZB's Leighton Smith. It's a great conversation and well worth the listen.
LISTEN HERE
If you would like to purchase the book, we have copies available (It hasn't even been released on print in the US yet!) Be one of the first in the world to read this superb book. Only $25 (including p&p). Email denise@familyfirst.org.nz to order your copy.

Govt Attacks Family Time With Liberal Easter Laws
Media Release 25 August 2015: Family First NZ is slamming the government for its intention to liberalise Easter trading laws and questions how long before Christmas day and Anzac day are also liberalised. They are also criticising the National party for refusing to allow a conscience vote on an issue which has always been very contentious and that individual politicians from all parties have held wide-ranging views.
“We reject any liberalisation of Easter trading laws because workers deserve this special annual break to spend time with their families. The government doesn’t seem to understand that a focus on economic improvement should never come at the cost of weakening the quality and special time that families can spend together. Anzac Day, Easter, and Christmas remain as one of the few times when the whole country stops and takes a break." READ MORE

Paid Parental Leave Values Parenting
Media Release 26 Aug 2015: Family First NZ is calling on the government to value parenting and the important role of mothers and fathers during the early years of our children and support the Paid Parental Leave bill.
“Families are being penalised for having children. Successive governments have undervalued mothers and the vital role of parents as they bond with their very young children. The political and policy focus has been on the needs of the economy, rather than on the welfare of children and the vital role of parents. In reality, this policy would represent about 0.2% of the total government spending, yet research shows that the role of mothers and the early bonding between mums and babies is vital for healthy child development.”“Ironically, the spending on early childhood education has almost tripled in the past ten years – yet there was no suggestion of a veto by the government then." READ MORE

No Winners When People Cheat On Their Marriages
Media Release 20 Aug 2015: Family First NZ says that the Ashley Madison security breach simply reiterates the fact that there are no winners when people cheat on their marriages.
It is difficult to have sympathy with people who are willing to cheat on their spouse and yet are now concerned with their own privacy. Marriages are about trust and commitment, and any website or service that encourages married people to have an affair is simply a recipe for disaster. And adults should know that. Extra-marital affairs affect not only the parties involved but also children who are part of these families. Websites like this simply cheapen and weaken the seriousness and importance of marriage and has huge negative impact on the health and wellbeing of both the adults and children. This website destroys lives at the click of a button.” READ MORE

CHECKED IT OUT YET?! Family First TV
If you've had enough of lunging for the TV remote to try and protect your children and family from some of the 'junk' on television, then our new resource is just what you need. We're really excited to release this fantastic new tool for Kiwi families.
FAMILY FIRST TV https://nzfamily.tv/ is a new Internet TV service where you can watch great online content from Family First, but you can also rent top class movies, documentaries and TV shows. Although the service has only just launched, more and more family friendly content is being launched every week. The service has market leading parental control technology so it's really easy to keep the kids safe no matter their age and there's plenty of great content for Mum & Dad too. Take a look and let us know what you think. Go to https://nzfamily.tv/