FSU nominates InternetNZ board candidates and proposes constitution to defend online speech

08 July 2025
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

FSU nominates InternetNZ board candidates and proposes constitution to defend online speech

Free Speech Union has nominated two candidates to the InternetNZ Council and drafted key constitutional amendments to safeguard free speech online. The internet must remain a free and open space for all New Zealanders, not a platform for ideological gatekeeping, says Jillaine Heather, Council Member of the Free Speech Union. 

“These days, speech rights mean little if they don’t include online speech. Recent moves by InternetNZ threaten to undermine this core freedom by shifting the organisation away from its essential technical mission. A campaign led by the Free Speech Union has led to a huge influx of InternetNZ memberships, giving individuals voting rights.

“We have nominated Free Speech Union CEO Jonathan Ayling and Canterbury-based lawyer Douglas Brown, who also serves on our Council, for the InternetNZ board election on 31 July. Both candidates are committed to defending an open internet and resisting attempts to expand content moderation powers beyond legal requirements.

“In recent years, InternetNZ declared itself ‘institutionally racist’ and proposed constitutional changes that could pave the way for greater censorship. We have instead drafted constitutional amendments that keep InternetNZ focused on its vital role managing New Zealand’s internet infrastructure – not deciding what speech is acceptable.

“We aren’t standing to take over or impose our worldview on InternetNZ – it’s the exact opposite. We’re working to ensure intellectual diversity and to protect the rights of all Kiwis to participate online, regardless of how popular or controversial their views may be.”

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Note to editor: InternetNZ’s AGM will be held on 31^st July. For InternetNZ members, voting starts on 14^th July. See nominations here: https://internetnz.nz/governance-and-reports/our-board/board-elections/2025-board-nominations/