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Rise for Animals Summit
August 7, 2026
SAFE is stoked to bring you Rise for Animals 2026 – a gathering for anyone who cares about creating a better future for animals in Aotearoa. Whether you’re already involved in animal advocacy, work in rescue or rehab, want to boost your knowledge for your career, or just want to understand the big issues animals face in Aotearoa, this is for you! Are you ready to make a difference? This summit is your chance to level up your knowledge, connect with passionate changemakers and people in your community, and leave inspired with the tools to make an impact. Movements are built together, this is where it begins. Join us for RFA 2026: https://events.humanitix.com/rise-for-animals-summit Not ready to buy tickets? Click 'interested' on this event so you can stay in the loop. –––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– Meet the speakers 👇 🟡 Dr. Marcelo Rodriguez Ferrere (NZALA / UoA) Dr. Marcelo is an Associate Professor at Auckland Law School and the President of the New Zealand Animal Law Association, who has has engaged in research on animal law in Aotearoa for over a decade. 🟡 Chris Delforce (Farm Transparency Project) Chris Delforce has investigated over one hundred farms, slaughterhouses and other animal exploitation facilities across Australia and internationally. Chris founded Farm Transparency Project (originally Aussie Farms) in 2014, and has written, directed and edited two award-winning feature-length documentaries: Lucent (2014), and Dominion (2018). 🟡 Harley McDonald-Eckersall (Farm Transparency Project) Harley has been organising for animal rights for 10 years. At age 19, Harley co-founded her first animal rights group, Young Voices for Animals. Since then, she has organised for groups across Australia and the UK, including Animal Rising (formerly Animal Rebellion), the Animal Justice Party (AUS), the Save Movement and Farm Transparency Project. 🟡 Tara Jackson (Beyond Animal Research) Tara Jackson is the Co-Founder of Beyond Animal Research (BAR), a New Zealand charity dedicated to ending animal experimentation by working with the scientific and research community to accelerate the uptake of ethical, effective science that is free from animal harm. With more than a decade on the frontlines of cruelty-free science advocacy, Tara is known for bringing together scientists, advocates, and decision-makers to advance ethical, effective, and animal-free approaches that benefit animals, people, and the environment. 🟡 Sinéad Deighton-O'Flynn (Greenpeace Aotearoa) Sinéad grew up in rural Southland and Otago and saw the intensification of the dairy industry firsthand. Now, they work Greenpeace Aotearoa as an Agriculture Campaigner fighting against the impacts of intensive dairy farming on the environment. 🟡 Dr. Luke Wilson (Rourou Kai Ora / Doctors for Nutrition) Dr. Luke Wilson is a Wellington-based GP, Board Director of Doctors For Nutrition, and co-founder of Rourou Kai Ora, a charitable initiative where young people prepare whole food plant-based, medically tailored meals for people facing health challenges. 🟡 Ben Pearson (World Animal Protection) Ben Pearson is the Country Director at World Animal Protection Australia and Aotearoa New Zealand. Ben has an impressive 30+ years of experience campaigning on environment, animal welfare and social policy issues across the world. 🟡 Dr. Judith Samson-French (HUMM) Dr. Judith Samson-French is a graduate of McGill University, the University of Alberta, and the Ontario Veterinary College, with a background spanning wildlife biology, zoo medicine, and mixed animal practice. She founded Banded Peak Veterinary Hospital in the Rocky Mountain Foothills, where she has built a career rooted in a deep commitment to animal welfare. 🟡 Amanda Sorrenson (The Vegan Society New Zealand) Amanda Sorrenson is the Coordinator of the Vegan Society of Aotearoa New Zealand and has spent more than a decade building and supporting grassroots advocacy, education, and community initiatives. 🟡 Jessica Chambers (SAFE) Jessica Chambers is our very own Head of Campaigns at SAFE, leading strategic advocacy initiatives that create meaningful change for animals across Aotearoa. 🟡 Mark Dunick Mark is an activist and historian who has been involved in social justice movements in Aotearoa, including animal rights campaigning, for more than 30 years. Mark is currently researching and writing about history, politics, activism, and social movements in Aotearoa and the United Kingdom. + some very incredible (and very secret) special guests Tickets live now! + More incredible speakers to be announced! –––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– What to expect at RFA 2026 👇 • Inspiring Speaker Sessions Hear from leading voices on what’s really going on for animals in Aotearoa. We’ll dig into the limitations of our current laws, the harsh realities of factory farming, and the systemic issues weaved throughout New Zealand’s animal welfare system. These sessions will give you a clear picture of where change is most needed – and how you can be a part of it. • Expert Panel Discussions Join in on the conversation with activists, scientists, legal experts, and movement leaders, where they’ll break down complex topics and share fresh perspectives on how we can push for real progress for animals in Aotearoa. • Skills-Focused Workshops Take part in hands-on workshops designed to boost your advocacy, campaigning, and strategic thinking. You’ll leave with tools, confidence, and ideas to take action for animals in your community and beyond.
