2026

April 2026:

The Commission for Ecology Justice and Peace Commission released its position paper on Palestine.

Among the points in the paper is supporting Aotearoa New Zealand recognising Palestine as a state.

Position on PalestineDownload

February 2026:

A final submission was made to the Environment Select Committee on the Natural Environment Bill and the Planning Bill 2025.

Final SUBMISSION TO THE ENVIRONMENT SELECT COMMITTEE ON THE NATURAL ENVIRONMENT BILL AND THE PLANNING BILL 2025Download

January 2026:

The Ecology Justice and Peace Commission endorsed and fully supported Community Housing Aotearoa’s (CHA) Briefing Document, ‘Housing Ends Homelessness — Enforcement Does Not’ from 11 Nov 2025, and the 19 Jan 2026 joint media release of ‘Opposition to Move-On Powers, Calls for Housing-Led Action to Address Homelessness’ from Te Matapihi He Tirohanga mō te Iwi Trust and CHA.

The 3 key recommendations of the Briefing Document are:

Reject punitive,enforcement-led measures that harm vulnerable communities.

Urgent investment in permanent housing and support services across Aotearoa.

Prioritise Māori-led and community-led housing solutions.

2025

November 2025:

A webinar was hosted to reflect on Pope Leo’s text on poverty, Dilexi Te, for World Day of the Poor.

September 2025:

Materials released so parishes and community groups could have their own liturgies at landfills, praying that we may look after each other and our planet.

Penitential Liturgy 10th Anniversary Laudato Si’ – Liturgical Rite 2025Download

The Wellington Archdiocese Catholic Housing Forum and the Ecology, Justice and Peace Commission’s Social Equity Committee members surveyed the Hutt, Upper Hutt, Wellington, and Porirua City Councils and the Kāpiti District Council to get an idea of their housing policy and provision, and asked Mayoral candidates in these regions for their views on local responses to housing need. 

Wellington Councils and Homelessness September 2025 FINALDownload

July 2025:

RMA Consultation on Freshwater

EJP Consultation on Freshwater (RMA Reform) Package 3Download

June 2025:

A submission was made on the Regulatory Standards Bill.

20250619 Ecology Justice and Peace Commission submission on the Regulatory Standards BillDownload

Approval was given to the Poverty Committee to be renamed the Social Equity Committee. The Committee had discerned that Social Equity better reflected its aims including:
– fair access to opportunities and resources,
– full participation in society,
– meeting the fundamental needs for all, regardless of their background or circumstances,
– addressing historical disadvantages.

A penitential liturgy was held at Spicer Landfill near Porirura. Marking 10 years of Laudato Si’, Father Alfred Tong led prayers, singing and shared a message. Special thanks also to Adrienne Gallie, Stephanie Clarke, Carolyn Carr, John Kleinsman, and Dr Deepa Goswani, Community Waste Minimisation Advisor at the Porirua City Council. Read more.

Penitential Liturgy 10th Anniversary Laudato Si’ – Event order of serviceDownload

April 2025:

The Commission made a submission opposing Government Procurement Rules, with particular reference to the Living Wage. Read more.

The Commission made a submission on the Consumer Guarantees Act (Right to Repair) Amendment Bill 2024. Read more.

January 2025: The Commission made a submission opposing the Treaty of Waitangi Principles Bill. Read more.

February 2025: Five new members were commissioned at a Mass and Gathering Day for the Ecology Justice and Peace Commission. Read more.

March 2025:

A Forum on Housing workshop sponsored by the Ecology Justice and Peace Commission on 29 March at St Bernadette’s Church Hall in Naenae.

Archives

Check out past years below:

Social Justice in actionDownload

Share your story

Share your stories of social justice in action in your parish and faith communities and be part of the movement to a more just and peaceful world. Contact Deirdre Meskill: d.meskill@cadw.nz.