Name suppression of wealthy convict causes havoc as speculation runs wild

22 August 2025
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Name suppression of wealthy convict causes havoc as speculation runs wild

Permanent name suppression granted to a wealthy criminal recently convicted for the possession and importation of objectionable material is an affront to everyone outside the elite groups permitted to know the truth. The courts are weakening trust in equality before the law. A healthy court system requires mutual respect and confidence between the law insiders and the public. By keeping the people in the dark, judges show they do not trust them, says Free Speech Union Chair Stephen Franks.

“The Free Speech Union has always opposed name suppression because it is censorship. Censorship powers are always eventually abused by the insiders and elites who like knowing things the masses don’t. The courts don’t even care that suppression doesn’t work and that eventually most people who matter to an offender will learn of the offence. Claiming to respond to ‘undue hardship’ is just conspicuous compassion. There is rarely evidence that early public knowledge causes more long-term harm than the Streisand effect created by attempts at suppression. Suppression simply deepens public curiosity and mistrust.

“Media reports today highlight these knock-on effects. AI incorrectly named a man as the protected individual. Understandably, he is distressed by this and wants the record corrected. 

“When the courts keep criminals’ names hidden, the media cannot do their job informing the public. The public’s freedom to discuss matters of real concern is undermined. Speculation can harm the reputations of innocent families and individuals.

“Whether justifiable or not, this secrecy is perceived as evidence of a two-tier system. Those with connections, wealth, or influence are shielded. Ordinary New Zealanders are not. These perceptions are toxic to democracy and the law.

“We urge Parliament to change the law that lets courts treat the people of New Zealand as unable, or unworthy, to be trusted with information. It is feeding expectations that our freedom of speech will be restored only by growing civil disobedience such as contempt of the court orders.

“The Free Speech Union once again reminds New Zealanders that they can demand that Parliament stop allowing them to be treated as children who can’t handle the truth.”