Ministerial Advisory Group

Expressions of interest are open for the new Family Violence and Sexual Violence Ministerial Advisory Group 

The Minister for the Prevention of Family and Sexual Violence is appointing a new Ministerial Advisory Group to provide free and frank advice about policy, strategy and legislative responses to family violence and sexual violence. This is an opportunity for your voice to inform decision-making and help build systems that support prevention, elimination, response and healing. 

Expressions of interest are open from 10 November until 16 January.

Who we are looking for

The Family Violence and Sexual Violence Ministerial Advisory Group will comprise up to eight members who will be expected to:

• provide independent expertise and advice about family violence and sexual violence legislation, policy and strategic direction, including opportunities to improve implementation of Te Aorerekura and the Action Plan (2025-2030)
• provide relevant and up-to-date advice about what is happening in communities and what communities need the most 
• provide a long-term view on preventing, eliminating and safely responding to family violence and sexual violence
• constructively challenge the government and highlight risks or unintended consequences
• identify emerging responses to family violence and sexual violence from other jurisdictions
• identify system issues or barriers that require interagency collaboration to address in pursuit of eliminating family violence and sexual violence.
  
  

We welcome expressions of interest from people with complementary experience in domains like health, education and housing; people with research, policy or advocacy experience, especially at a grassroots level; and people who have strong connections with or knowledge about te ao Māori. 

We are seeking fresh perspectives that reflect the diverse communities in New Zealand. We are particularly interested in applicants who have not previously served on boards or advisory bodies, or those who are not currently serving. When shortlisting, we will consider the overall group dynamic and how each candidate’s skillset complements the skillset of others who are being shortlisted.

We strongly encourage applications from people with lived experience of family violence and/or sexual violence. This includes victim/survivors and/or people who have used violence in the past and can demonstrate therapeutic change. We also welcome applications from people who are connected with or part of communities that are disproportionately affected by family violence and sexual violence, and/or whose needs have been traditionally overlooked by the system.

Other details

Appointment decisions are subject to Ministerial discretion and approval by Cabinet’s Appointment and Honours Committee (APH). Initial appointments will be for two years. During this time, members will be expected to attend meetings every two to four months. Members will be remunerated in line with the Cabinet Fees Framework (Level 3, Group 4) and receive 1.5 days’ payment per meeting. The first hui will be in person in March 2026, with subsequent meetings held online.

The group will provide advice that informs Ministerial decision-making but does not direct what the Minister must decide. The Minister considers many sources of advice and retains responsibility for all decisions.

How to apply

1. Complete the above expression of interest application form and declaration. 
2. Attach your curriculum vitae and a short summary statement (less than one page) that explains why you are interested in joining the group and what skills you can offer.
3. Email your application to minservices@preventfvsv.govt.nz by 5pm Friday 16 January 2025.

If you have questions or need more information, contact Laura Ranger 04 466 0706.