Rev Michael Hartfield’s Call to Action on World Humanitarian Day
Parliament’s Grand Hall was filled with quiet reverence as leaders from across Aotearoa New Zealand gathered for the World Humanitarian Day Parliamentary Breakfast.
Hosted by the Honourable Tama Potaka and coordinated by World Vision, the event honoured humanitarian workers who have lost their lives, celebrated New Zealand’s global humanitarian impact, and looked ahead to the challenges facing humanitarian efforts worldwide.
Among the speakers was Rev Michael Hartfield, National Director of Anglican Missions, whose address offered both a sobering reflection and a stirring call to action.
“We Are All Humanitarians”
Michael began by acknowledging the shared purpose of those present. “Whether you are a Cabinet Minister or an MP; whether you work for MFAT or for an NGO; none of us would be here this morning if we didn’t want to improve people’s lives,” he said. “We are, in one sense or another, therefore all humanitarians: and we should be proud of that.”
He traced the roots of humanitarianism from Henry Dunant’s founding of the Red Cross to ancient religious traditions that emphasise compassion and care for the vulnerable. “For Christians,” Michael said, “Jesus told His followers to show compassion, to care for the vulnerable, and to seek the well-being of others.”
Gaza: A Crisis Close to Home
Michael spoke movingly about the Al Ahli Arab Anglican Hospital in Gaza, which Anglican Missions has supported for many years. “Since October 2023, the hospital has been deliberately bombed eight times,” he said. “Three weeks ago, one of its most senior surgeons was murdered on his way home. On Sunday, the Hospital was bombed for the ninth time. Seven people were killed.”
Despite the violence, the hospital remains open. “Through the incredible courage of the staff, the hospital continues to serve the sick, the injured, and the dying — providing a glimmer of hope in the rubble of despair.”
Michael acknowledged the support of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade and the advocacy of Minister of Foreign Affairs, Mr Peters. “Aotearoa New Zealand can play a part in a peaceful outcome,” he said. “Let’s be on the right side of history.”
A System Under Strain
Michael’s speech highlighted the scale of global humanitarian need in 2025. “Over 305 million people across 72 countries need humanitarian assistance,” he said, “requiring $47.4 billion in funding. Nowhere near that amount will be available.”
He shared harrowing statistics: 400 million children are living in or fleeing conflict zones; four out of five civilian deaths in conflicts occur in countries with humanitarian appeals; and 2024 was the deadliest year on record for humanitarian workers, with 360 killed — 200 in Gaza alone.
“In the first five months of this year, 128 humanitarians have been killed in 17 countries,” Michael said. “And 95% of those killed were local responders.”
A Moment to Remember, A Commitment to Continue
Michael concluded with a moment of silence for humanitarian workers who have died in service. He invited attendees to stand and join in a shared prayer spoken around the world on World Humanitarian Day:
“Lead me from death to life, from falsehood to truth;
lead me from despair to hope, from fear to trust;
lead me from hate to love, from war to peace.
Let peace fill our hearts and our world.”
View Michael’s speech here
