Bob McCoskrie – National Director, Family First NZ

Bob McCoskrie is a leading conservative lobbyist and founder of Family First New Zealand. A former Christian radio host, McCoskrie established Family First in 2006 as a non-profit to “champion strong and stable families” and influence public policy on social issues. He serves as its National Director and public face. Family First is known for opposing same-sex marriage, abortion law reform, gender identity policies, and comprehensive sex education. (It lost its charity status after courts deemed its advocacy too political.) McCoskrie has significant media presence, often appearing in debates on morality and family policy. He runs a popular YouTube channel “McBlog” and hosts live political discussions on “Straight Talk”. At the IPNZ Unsilenced summit, McCoskrie was a keynote speaker, blaming social changes (like the legalization of gay marriage) for a “slippery slope” leading to transgender rights – to enthusiastic reaction from the crowd. He has been a fierce critic of puberty blockers for youth, accusing professional bodies like PATHA (the trans health association) of undue influence on policy. McCoskrie’s affiliations extend internationally; Family First has links with conservative Christian networks (e.g. World Congress of Families) and he often cites overseas developments in his campaigns. On social media (X: @BobMcCoskrie), he amplifies messages against “gender ideology.” McCoskrie’s influence lies in mobilizing a base of religious and socially conservative New Zealanders and in crafting submissions/lobby campaigns to Parliament on family issues. In May 2022, Family First announced McCoskrie had brought former National MP Simon O’Connor onto their team, highlighting his networking reach into mainstream politics.