Human beings cannot flourish unless they are free

We protect, expand, and fight for New Zealanders’ rights to freedom of speech, conscience, and intellectual inquiry. We envision a flourishing New Zealand civil society that values and protects vigorous debate, dissenting ideas, and freedom of speech as cultural cornerstones.

Human beings cannot flourish unless they are free

We protect, expand, and fight for New Zealanders’ rights to freedom of speech, conscience, and intellectual inquiry. We envision a flourishing New Zealand civil society that values and protects vigorous debate, dissenting ideas, and freedom of speech as cultural cornerstones.

CAMPAIGNS

'Hate' is subjective: whether speech or crime

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COVID INQUIRY: HAVE YOUR SAY

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We must preserve tolerance and peace in debate over Israel-Gaza conflict

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The Free Speech Union was formed in 2021 and has grown rapidly. It came from the Free Speech Coalition which began in 2018 out of the need to challenge the Mayor of Auckland after he banned people whose views he disliked and treated Council property as his own.

Our job is to fight the expansion of government censorship, by challenging bad legislation and dangerous legal precedents. We’re the central hub of a network of Kiwis who are motivated by the dire need to protect free speech across all areas - media, academia, politics, workplaces, city councils…

About us

We’re a community committed to providing accessible, reliable, impartial advice to make a life-changing difference for people who find themselves ostracised.

News

How we can help

We advocate and defend your human right to freedom of speech, regardless of your stance.

We don’t take any sides on political, cultural, social or ethical matters. But we go into bat so that you can. If you’ve been threatened, silenced, fired, or cancelled, we’ll advocate for your rights through writing letters, petitions, spreading awareness and representing you.

Get in touch today

“Whether it’s in the workplace or the public square, you need the protection of the Free Speech Union. Only with you – and with thousands like you – can we defend free speech”

LATEST NEWS

Man arrested and charged for ‘offending’: FSU to defend

Apr 19, 2024 Paul Burns MEDIA RELEASE 19 April 2024FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Man arrested and charged for ‘offending’: FSU to defend  Paul Burns was arrested after engaging in a debate in a public space and the Free Speech Union will defend him in court next month. This is yet another example of an unjust and... Read more

Is this the new normal we want?

Apr 19, 2024 Paul Burns A semi-interesting fact about me is that I believe I am the only individual in New Zealand who is both a practising doctor and barrister. While the two professions often require different skills, I pursued both for the same reason. My desire to care for people.  It's the same reason that... Read more

Free Speech Union Submission on the Inquiry into the 2023 General Election

Apr 15, 2024 2023 General Election Read more