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SAFE is New Zealand’s leading animal rights organisation

Media centre

We’re working towards a world where animals are understood and respected in such a way that they are no longer exploited, abused or made to suffer.

Courtney White

Head of Communications
021 242 2927
[email protected]*
For media enquiries, please contact our Media Manager.
For all other enquiries, please visit our Contact us page.

*Do not send unsolicited marketing or commercial emails to this address.

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Spokespeople

Debra Ashton - Chief Executive Officer

Debra became SAFE’s CEO in 2018. A long-time animal advocate, Debra was SAFE’s Managing Director in 2012, after a twenty-five-year career in film and television. Her love of animals and a concern for the way they are treated led Debra to work with a wide number of groups wanting to make positive changes for animals. Previously, she served on the boards of both SAFE and Wellington SPCA, produced and co-presented an animal rights radio programme and has experience as a business owner and journalist.

Jessica Chambers - Head of Campaigns

In 2019, Jessica assumed the role of leading SAFE's Corporate Campaign initiatives. Currently serving as SAFE's Head of Campaigns, Jessica spearheads efforts focused on hen and chicken welfare, driving impactful change in corporate and policy arenas. With a background in project management and film production, as well as a science degree specialising in animal management and welfare, Jessica brings a diverse skill set to the team, and provides expert commentary in the media across a range of areas.

Emma Brodie - Campaign Manager

With a background in environmental campaigning, Emma brought her expertise to SAFE's Campaigns team in 2021. Holding a Masters in Public Policy, her dissertation focused on regulatory capture and emphasised the necessity of independence in the animal welfare sector. Emma is deeply passionate about addressing systemic injustices and driving policy reform for animals. She currently spearheads SAFE's dairy campaign efforts, championing positive change in the industry.

Will Appelbe - Head of Investigations

Prior to joining SAFE as a Campaigns Manager in 2018, Will dedicated himself to cultivating expertise in media and communications. Not long after joining the organisation, Will took on SAFE's media relations, before moving into investigations in 2022. Since then, he has collaborated with industry whistleblowers to uncover instances of animal cruelty in Aotearoa, advocating tirelessly for New Zealand's animals. Now as Head of Investigations, Will frequently provides expert commentary in the media, shedding light on the plight of animals exploited in entertainment.

Try plant-based!

Take the Dairy-Free Challenge

Moving away from dairy is a choice that benefits animals, our planet and our health. There’s never been a better time to go dairy-free. Whether you’re looking for tips on the best plant-based cheese or ice cream or on the lookout for new dairy-free recipe ideas, we’ve got you covered!

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Help us continue helping animals in need

As a charity, SAFE is reliant on the support of caring people like you to carry out our valuable work. Every gift goes towards providing education, undertaking research and campaigning for the benefit of all animals. SAFE is a registered charity in New Zealand (CC 40428). Contributions of $5 or more are tax-deductible.