New Zealand Hague Collective

The New Zealand Hague Collective is a registered charity originally founded by mothers who have lived through the trauma of fleeing family and sexual violence only to face legal battles under the 1980 Hague Convention. We advocate for legislative change, provide vital support, and connect families with trusted legal and social services.

Our mission is to ensure that survivors especially parents and children can remain safe while navigating complex international custody disputes. We work tirelessly to raise awareness about how the Convention is often misused by perpetrators, and we push for recognition of family violence as a valid defense under Article 13(1)(b).

The 2024 New Zealand Hague case data highlights the urgency of this issue:

Out of 56 total cases, 40 were outgoing (NZ as the requesting state) compared with just

16 incoming.

Behind these numbers are real whānau living with fear, uncertainty, and the crushing

weight of international litigation. Survivors are forced to relive trauma, children risk being

sent back into unsafe environments, and families face this with little specialist support.

For too many, the 1980 Hague Convention, intended as a protective mechanism, has

become another source of harm.

Your donation helps us:

Provide advocacy and emotional support to displaced families.

Connect survivors with experienced legal professionals throughout New Zealand.

Promote policy reform and public education.

Thank you for standing with us.

Ngā mihi. New Zealand Hague Collective