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.

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'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.

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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

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

Apr 15, 2024 2023 General Election Read more

Free Speech Union files suit against Attorney-General for unlawful arrest of peaceful protestor

Apr 15, 2024 Right to Protest MEDIA RELEASE 15 April 2024FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE  Free Speech Union files suit against Attorney-General for unlawful arrest of peaceful protestor  The Free Speech Union has filed a suit against the Attorney-General in the Wellington High Court on behalf of Lucy Rogers, a Union member who was wrongfully arrested last year... Read more

Police back down from unlawful arrest, but will they actually take responsibility?

Apr 12, 2024 Right to Protest, Protest MEDIA RELEASE   12 April 2024 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Police back down from unlawful arrest, but will they actually take responsibility?   Police have confirmed that they have dropped charges against Daniel Maxwell for breaching the peace. We defended Maxwell after he was wrongfully arrested for counter-protesting at a pro-Palestinian rally... Read more