Since the start of Voices for Freedom, we have been asked whether our special organisation will become political. In the aftermath of the historic protest at Parliament, the number of these questions has only increased.

So we would like to shed some light on VFF’s path forward..

To be clear, VFF has always been about helping you, the people. This mission will continue to be at the core of everything we do, no matter what happens.

The impact on people’s lives has gone far beyond what we could have ever imagined. When we began, our priority was to respond to the real need of people who felt cast aside and alone. Our answer was to foster communities all over New Zealand to make it easy for people to find each other and form all-important and, at times, life-saving relationships.

Our educational webinars featuring world-renowned experts brought further connection, and people realised there were thousands of others just like them around the country.

Donations from tens of thousands of supporters made it possible to make a massive impact in our communities. New Zealanders found help and support through flyer drops, billboards and signs. Court action gave people hope. The provision of free resources, networks, and legal advice helped Kiwis navigate the incredibly stressful process of fighting for their jobs, businesses, livelihoods, and futures.

The result has been a coming together of people and communities supporting each other, unlike anything we have ever seen. We are witnessing a revival of the Kiwi spirit, and it has arisen just in time.

But it is also clear to many that great storms are looming on the horizon..

So our communities must continue to strengthen their foundations and connections to prepare for what lies ahead. Our focus will continue to be on action at a grassroots level to build resilient communities able to meet their own basic needs. Examples include food security, local supply chains, housing, financial literacy, alternative trading systems, education, skill-sharing, healthcare, etc. Our local groups are already working together on various projects (setting up community gardens, local markets, etc.).

We will be working to replicate this in even more towns and cities across New Zealand, and therefore our efforts, hearts, and loyalty will continue to lie with our growing community of over 100,000 members and a local group community of some 40,000 members and counting spanning 113 locations nationwide.

VFF is the largest and most active freedom focused organisation in New Zealand, and that carries enormous responsibility. VFF has never been one to sit on the sidelines, and we’re not about to start now.

We recognise that the last two years’ events have presented an unprecedented opportunity and desire for change at the political level..

We are at a defining moment and have the rare opportunity to rebuild something extraordinary together – for New Zealand and future generations.

To us, it means doing things differently. Politics plays a role in our vision going forward, but we recognise that political change only comes from social change, not the other way around.

Now is the time to re-imagine and rebuild our nation from the ground up. It will require passionate people to roll up their sleeves and take action. We must all take responsibility, go above and beyond, and contribute to social change bigger than ourselves. Now is not the time for knee jerk reactions and hasty decision making.

Many look to VFF for leadership. We will continue to facilitate and participate in discussions with groups, political parties, and individuals able to unite under a shared vision for a radically better future, with agreed views around strategy and the need for a strong foundation. New Zealand needs significant change: we’re not looking for something just a little better than before Covid.

So in answer to the question: to politics or not to politics?

The short answer is yes: politics, both local and national, is one part of our multi-faceted approach to achieving radical change in New Zealand. A New Zealand of resilient, self-sufficient, supportive communities able to weather any storm, regardless if it is caused by our own politicians or power-hungry global organisations.

Ultimately, protecting our fundamental freedoms is always front of mind, as are the people’s lives in this movement. We are here for you – the mothers, fathers, children, grandparents, families, and friends – and that will never change.

STAND UP, SPEAK OUT, KEEP HUGGING.

P.S. If you haven’t already joined a local group, we encourage you to do that today. Learn more here: https://www.voicesforfreedom.co.nz/local-sign-up