Factory Farming gets another lifeline…
August 14, 2026
Aotearoa had a chance to improve hens’ lives. Instead, we’re preserving factory farming.
Across Aotearoa, millions of animals are experiencing harm inside systems meant to protect them. But SAFE is a force for change.
We use robust research and science, strategic communications, and public support to drive institutional, political and societal change, to improve outcomes for animals, people, and the planet.
Aotearoa had a chance to improve hens’ lives. Instead, we’re preserving factory farming.
On 2 April 2026, the Racing Industry (Closure of Greyhound Racing Industry) Amendment Bill passed by a landslide majority. This means from 1 August
In 2025, your support enabled SAFE to keep pushing where it matters most: exposing cruelty, challenging industry influence, and holding decision makers to account.
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.
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 currently leads SAFE’s campaign to end Factory Farming, and is also SAFE’s spokesperson for Greyhound Racing, Mud Farming, and the Dairy Industry.
With a background in environmental campaigning and a Master’s in Public Policy, her research explored regulatory capture and the critical need for independence in New Zealand’s animal welfare system. Emma is deeply committed to addressing systemic injustice and uses policy expertise, strategic campaigning, and media advocacy to drive meaningful change.
Emily joined the SAFE team in 2024 and led our Commissioner for Animals, fishes, and rodeo campaigns. Emily’s focus has shifted to leading SAFE’s work on challenging Aotearoa’s Broken Animal Welfare System.
With 20 years’ experience in the not-for-profit sector, Emily’s professional background includes programme delivery, stakeholder engagement, and environmental activism. She believes sharing information and developing personal knowledge are key to lifestyle shifts in terms of animal rights, and is passionate about driving real and positive change in this area.