Jonathan Ayling voted onto InternetNZ board: work starts to restore respect for free speech

31 July 2025
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Jonathan Ayling voted onto InternetNZ board: work starts to restore respect for free speech

The Free Speech Union is thrilled that tonight, InternetNZ announced Jonathan Ayling has been elected onto the InternetNZ board by the organisation’s membership.

“This is fantastic news,” says Jillaine Heather, Council Member of the Free Speech Union. “It ensures that advocates for free speech will ensure this crucial freedom is part of every decision. We’re deeply grateful to the membership of this organisation and the confidence they’ve shown.”

“Recent moves by InternetNZ threatened to undermine free speech, shifting the organisation away from its essential technical mission. A campaign led by the Free Speech Union saw a huge increase in InternetNZ memberships, with hundreds committed to ensuring InternetNZ is brought back to a democratic organisation.”

Jonathan Ayling, Chief Executive of the Free Speech Union, says, “The future of the internet in Aotearoa hinges on strong, principled leadership that defends openness, fosters innovation, and safeguards freedom. I am proud to have been voted onto the board, bringing both practical and principled leadership to help advance its mission.”

“We’re not interested at all in imposing our own worldviews on InternetNZ,” Jillaine Heather says. “On the contrary, our goal is to protect intellectual diversity and ensure Kiwis can speak freely online, whether their views are popular or not. Tonight’s announcement is good news for all Kiwis who value their freedoms.

“We extend our sincere thanks to Canterbury-based lawyer and Council member of the Free Speech Union, Douglas Brown, for also standing as a board candidate.”