95bFM New report shows ‘social cohesion’ is at risk in Aotearoa
8 April, 2025
Interview by Castor Chacko, adapted by Sara Mckoy
Movement Building and Advocacy Director for Amnesty International Aotearoa, Lisa Woods, believes a new report showing a lack of social cohesion in New Zealand threatens democracy.
Recent research commissioned by the Helen Clark Foundation shows a less-than-optimistic look at democracy in Aotearoa.
The report shows concern for ‘social cohesion’ within the country.
Movement Building and Advocacy Director at Amnesty International Aotearoa New Zealand, Lisa Woods, told 95bFM’s The Wire, that the outcome of this research indicates “democratic backsliding”.
“We're seeing many communities facing deeply disturbing ongoing attacks, we've seen people attacked for speaking out on human rights or simply wanting to take part in societal conversations, we've seen accountability and transparency challenged through issues like these of urgency by successive governments… these are not signs of a healthy, vibrant democracy.”
Woods says social cohesion is strongly tied with the capacity to build connections within the community, and in Aotearoa, is also rooted in honouring Te Tiriti o Waitangi values.
To achieve better social cohesion, she says the government plays a crucial role in promoting participation in democratic processes.
“We want to see the government working in partnership with communities to explore how we can strengthen our society.”
“When our systems are designed so that we can all make a meaningful contribution, we all benefit in so many ways from more well-rounded informed decision-making to stronger communities and feelings of belonging and connection.”
Looking at where New Zealand struggles to empower social cohesion within communities, Woods highlights the link between financial hardship and democratic participation, where poverty limits New Zealander’s capacity to contribute meaningfully to political discourse, and social cohesion is displaced by mistrust in democratic institutions and increased polarisation.
The solution she offers would see the government provide more funding to community organisations to help curate safe spaces that rebuild these connections.
“If we ignore this red flag, if decision-makers bury their heads in the sand and refuse to make changes and meet this challenge, we risk a democratic decline that puts human rights at risk across the board.”
