UK campaigner arrested for praying will speak at NZ event

Isabel Vaughan-Spruce, co-director of March for Life UK, is scheduled to speak at the Hope for the World Conference 2026 in Auckland. The gathering, from September 25-27, is being organised by Family Life International NZ.

According to conference publicity, Ms Vaughan-Spruce “has been praying outside abortion centres and offering help to women/couples there for over 20 years, supporting many of them in continuing their pregnancy”.

“Isabel has been arrested twice for silently praying near an abortion centre but was completely acquitted in court and received a settlement from the police after she made a claim against them for wrongful arrest and imprisonment. Isabel is now again being charged for violating the censorship zone around the abortion centre by her silent prayers and is awaiting trial in early 2027,” the conference publicity stated.

Ms Vaughan-Spruce was quoted as saying: “It is deeply concerning to see vaguely-worded legislation come in which could punish people like me who are just there to help, to talk peacefully or to pray.”

She is scheduled to be the guest speaker at the conference dinner in Auckland on September 26.

According to promotional material, the conference will feature “an impressive line-up of international and local speakers [who] will inform, inspire and equip [attendees] to live [their] faith with courage, defend human life and strengthen marriage and the family”.

It will also “provide opportunities for fellowship and spiritual renewal” and is for “those who wish to restore a culture of life in their local, national and international communities”.

Auckland Bishop Steve Lowe will be the celebrant and homilist at the conference’s opening Mass at St John Vianney Church in Hillsborough on September 25.

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Join the Hope for the World Conference: Life, Faith & Family (Family Life International NZ)

Hope for the World Conference 2026 Brochure (Family Life International NZ)