In early 2025, UPF New Zealand officially relaunched its National Family Day Petition — a campaign that has been building momentum since 2022 and now enters a new phase with renewed energy and community support.
The petition calls on the New Zealand Government to recognise 11 November as a dedicated national day to celebrate the importance of families in our society. The date — also known as Armistice Day — carries deep historical significance as a day of remembrance, and UPF believes it is a fitting time to also affirm the family as the foundation of lasting peace.
100 Days of Serving Community
Alongside the petition relaunch, UPF New Zealand announced a "100 Days of Serving Community" campaign — a three-month initiative inviting individuals, families, and organisations to take concrete action in their neighbourhoods. Proposed activities include:
- Environmental clean-ups in local parks and coastlines
- Supporting local food shelters and community centres
- Organising family activities that bring communities together
- Social media sharing with the theme: "Build a New Zealand that honours families"
Signature Campaign
The SNS National Family Day Signature Campaign launched in March 2025, with targeted outreach through social media, community organisations, and local leaders. UPF New Zealand is calling on like-minded politicians, community influencers, and everyday Kiwi families to lend their voices to the cause.
Why a National Family Day?
As UPF Chairman Kenji Watanabe has written, the proposed National Family Day reflects a vision for New Zealand grounded in four values that resonate deeply with Pacific and Māori culture:
- Whanaungatanga — strengthening bonds between people
- Kaitiakitanga — caring responsibly for one another and the environment
- Manaakitanga — supporting communities with dignity and generosity
- Kotahitanga — uniting across cultures, faiths, and backgrounds
To sign the petition and show your support, contact UPF New Zealand at secretariat@upfnz.org or attend one of our upcoming monthly meetings at the Peace Embassy in Parnell, Auckland.