Aviva is committed to help creating an Aotearoa New Zealand that’s violence-free by supporting social and personal change. Our commitment to this purpose began in 1973, when we were first formed as Christchurch Women’s Refuge – New Zealand’s first refuge.
Our formation triggered the development of dozens of other refuges throughout the country as a way to support women and children to escape family violence.
Yet despite being New Zealand’s first refuge, we now prioritise making homes safer for families to remain in them; this is a more sustainable and socially just 21st century approach to enhancing safety.
Since those early days we have evolved to support children, young people and adults of any gender, ethnicity or sexual orientation. This is because we believe a holistic approach, supporting all members of the family, is necessary to overcome family and sexual violence, and achieve wellbeing.