Campaigning for Justice

Kate Day and Alex Johnston have launched a new non-profit called Common Grace Aotearoa.

Their aim is to mobilise communities around Aotearoa in the ‘fourth mark of mission’: challenging unjust structures. As a Christian organisation, Common Grace Aotearoa hopes to channel the energy of the church towards effective campaigns on justice issues.

Right now, they are running two campaigns, one on electricity prices and one on climate change.

Their first campaign, Everyone Connected is calling on the Electricity Authority Te Mana Hiko to protect families struggling with high electricity prices. The campaign is calling for a ban on disconnection fees, which add hardship to the households least able to pay. 

When a household's power is disconnected because they can’t afford their bills, the household is usually already in significant debt. Despite this, power companies are allowed to proceed with charging disconnection and reconnection fees which add to families’ hardship. 

The campaign is calling for a ban on disconnection fees, fairer prepay prices and enforceable rules for consumer care. Common Grace Aotearoa is working with like-minded partners that together have launched an online petition which you are invited to sign. See www.everyoneconnected.nz to find out more.

BCDT has supported Common Grace Aotearoa by setting up their charitable status, providing initial funding, and helping with administration and communications.

While a full website is still under construction, you can sign up for updates on their landing page: www.commongrace.nz