The Big Latch On has been running for 21 years, started by Women’s Health Action in 2005. This is a global event that started right here in Aotearoa New Zealand!
The Big Latch On aims to support parents in their communities on their feeding journeys, by creating safe and accepting spaces. It provides an opportunity for whānau to connect with and meet new friends, and receive support and information from local services.
The Big Latch On began in 2005 as a campaign to challenge public attitudes toward breastfeeding in public. At the time, many people believed that breastfeeding should happen only in private — confined to hospital rooms or the home — and not continue beyond six months of age. These beliefs contributed to isolation for many parents, at a time when connection and support were most needed. Being trapped inside whenever a pēpi needed to feed was never a foundation for a happy, healthy start to life.
While public attitudes toward breastfeeding and infant feeding in public spaces have shifted since then, we know that parenting can still be deeply lonely. Moving into 2026, the Big Latch On remains grounded in its core values of celebration, connection, and community — creating visible, welcoming spaces where whānau can come together, feel supported, and know they are not alone.
While the Big Latch On’s origins are rooted in celebrating and normalising breastfeeding, we recognise that infant feeding journeys are diverse. Parenting is tough enough, and we are committed to ensuring that all whānau feel welcome, respected, and supported, no matter how their pēpi is fed.
We welcome anyone who wants to attend, including those who are breastfeeding, chestfeeding, mixed-feeding, formula-feeding, using an SNS, bottle-feeding, expressing, tube-feeding, or supporting any other form of safe infant feeding.
Come as you are — let’s Join Together. Feed Together.
Past Big Latch On Events
