A new national framework for Better.
Resetting New Zealand’s expectations won’t happen by accident.
It happens when an agreed, shared standard is made highly visible - and is consistently reinforced.
Respect NZ exists to help make courtesy and respect New Zealand’s national standard again.
Here’s how.
raising our shared standard.
Every society runs on agreed expectations of behaviour.
It’s what’s often referred to as the Social Contract - the basic understanding that how we treat each other shapes the society we live in.
We know that when expectations are lowered, behaviour follows. When expectations are clear, our behaviour tends to uphold them, because they benefit everyone.
The standard Respect NZ promotes is simple: treat others as you wish to be treated.
It’s a standard so foundational to a functioning society, we call it the Golden Rule.
Making the standard visible.
Standards only shape behaviour when people can see them.
Organisations that commit to the Respect NZ standard display the Respect NZ Hallmark.
It signals something important before an interaction even begins: respect will be shown - and respect is expected in return.
When expectations are visible, our behaviour rises to meet them.
working with organisations.
Respect is a two-way street.
Respect NZ works with organisations to help embed the standard into everyday practice through:
Helping to set clear and consistent behavioural expectations
Practical training if needed
Recognition and acknowledgement of positive behaviour
Our aim isn’t to eliminate disagreement.
It’s to improve how we conduct ourselves when it happens.
a unified public voice.
Cultural norms strengthen when they are reinforced publicly.
Through national advertising campaigns, storytelling, and recognition and reward programmes, Respect NZ helps to keep the standard visible.
By providing a unified public voice, we help raise the standard — and make it easier for people to meet it.