Family First New Zealand – Conservative Christian Lobby

Family First NZ is a socially conservative lobbying organization founded in 2006 by Bob McCoskrie. Its mission is to promote traditional family values in law and society. Over the years Family First has campaigned against same-sex marriage (2013), against liberalizing abortion and euthanasia laws, and more recently against gender self-identification and banning conversion therapy. The group was registered as a charity until a prolonged legal battle resulted in the Supreme Court ruling it did not qualify as a charity due to its political advocacy. Family First produces annual reports like the “State of the Family” and frequently submits on bills. It’s well-funded by donations from churches and individuals, which has allowed it to, for example, put up nationwide billboards opposing certain policies. McCoskrie’s high media profile means Family First’s perspective is often quoted as representing “concerned parents” or conservative Christians. The organization also hosts events – e.g. forums on censorship and free speech (it was involved in the aforementioned Free Speech Coalition). In the gender debate, Family First has taken a hard line: it supported parents suing schools over transgender student policies, it platformed de-transitioner testimonies, and it helped popularize international gender-critical content in NZ (such as commissioning polling that shows public discomfort with some trans policies). Family First’s connection to Inflection Point is strong: McCoskrie is an IPNZ speaker and effectively an ally. After Simon O’Connor lost his National seat, Family First brought him on board, signaling Family First’s intent to remain engaged in parliamentary politics by proxy. Moreover, Family First’s website and email lists have promoted content from IPNZ’s summit and campaigns (for example, McCoskrie’s “McBlog” did an episode on the Unsilenced event). In essence, Family First provides institutional backing and credibility to IPNZ’s cause, wrapping it in a broader pro-family narrative. Internationally, Family First is part of conservative Christian networks; Bob McCoskrie has appeared at the World Congress of Families and coordinates with groups in Australia and the US (like Focus on the Family). This gives IPNZ indirect links to global anti-LGBT strategies via Family First’s connections. Family First’s legal counsel is often the firm Franks Ogilvie as well – the same law firm representing Inflection Point – which further intertwines their efforts.