Thousands agree 'hate crime' laws unworkable, InternetNZ 'protects' us, a farewell, and our next tour...

Thousands of us agree: ‘hate crime’ laws are simply unworkable

In other news on the Law Commission, I want to check you saw the release of submissions on its consultation on ‘hate crime’ laws. It really highlights again the danger of creating laws that punish ideas, not actions. Thousands of us submitted, opposing these subjective laws, and we urge the Ministry of Justice to listen.

We already have laws that deal with crime, and New Zealand has rightly rejected vague ‘hate speech’ laws in the past. Why would we open ourselves up to the same sort of subjectivity now?

‘Hate’ is an emotion and differs from one person to the next. Illegal actions should be punished, not thought. Overwhelmingly, submitters to the Commission’s consultation were in favour of our current legal model.

We accept that ‘hatred’ can be a legitimate aggravating factor at sentencing, however the amendments to our laws considered by the Law Commission are simply unworkable. 

If some topics, thoughts, and opinions cannot be discussed, it won’t lead to social cohesion – it will just divide our nation further, and quite possibly in tragic ways. We can only combat 'hatred' through dialogue. 

InternetNZ protects us from... 'harm' 

This week, InternetNZ published its censored version of its Annual Members Feedback Survey report after backlash over some of the, well, feedback...

They claim it’s to “minimise harm” and while their decision may get criticism from some, they’re “safeguarding our communities”.

Well, what would we do if it weren’t for InternetNZ shielding us from harm, John? It’s almost like they don’t trust their members to think for themselves...!

A sad farewell! 🥺

Friday was Nathan Seiuli’s last day with us in a full-time role. Many of you will know Nathan already, through his direct-to-camera updates on social media, the countless public meetings he’s pulled together, or simply the energy, vibes and drive he brought to every project.

In recent weeks, you may have seen less of him, as he’s been on paternity leave celebrating the arrival of his third child. But even then, his enthusiasm, experience, and organisational ability to get things done has continued to leave their mark. 💪 We’re genuinely sorry to lose him from our team.

When I asked Nathan how he’d like me to explain his decision to move on, he provided the following message:

There’s a Crowded House song I could quote, but something about recent performances tells me Neil wouldn’t appreciate having his classic associated with a Free Speech Union email.

My nearly three years with the Free Speech Union has been a great privilege. I’ve worked with incredible people: our staff, international guests, and most importantly our supporters. Whether they gave financially, attended events, or sent a note of encouragement, they are how free speech has been defended and advanced.

I’ve seen firsthand how a small, determined team, backed by committed supporters, can move the conversation of an entire nation back towards the marketplace of ideas. From challenging the police on hate-crime training to hosting town hall meetings across the country, these past years have been full of drama and meaning - work that has mattered more to me than any other role I’ve had. 

So why leave? Because the Free Speech Union’s success has sharpened my awareness of the other freedoms under threat. I understand and support the FSU commitment to defending the right to free speech, without endorsing what people are saying as they exercise that right. However, privacy, self-defence, even the value of life itself - these too deserve the kind of principled defence that free speech has here. My concern for these areas has grown to the point where I need to focus my energies there directly and next month I’ll be launching my own organisation to focus on these key rights.

I leave with gratitude, admiration, and hope. Free speech is stronger today because of what the Free Speech Union has become - and because of you, the best champions of free speech anywhere. 

With gratitude, Nathan

Save the date! Our next AGM and tour!

Don't fear, we still have an incredible tour and AGM coming up!

We’re excited to welcome Helen Joyce to New Zealand on a national tour. Helen is an Irish journalist, author, and campaigner known for her commentary on gender and free speech.

Her book Trans: When Ideology Meets Reality has sparked major global conversations. Helen will speak in Auckland, Hamilton, Wellington and will complete the tour at our AGM in Christchurch this November.

Keep an eye out for more details coming soon. But first... Save the date! 🎉

🗓️ Free Speech Union Conference and AGM 2025:

Christchurch
Saturday, 8th November 2025

Join us for a full day of conversations, thought-provoking panels, and a keynote address from Helen Joyce herself. If you're passionate about truth seeking, community, democracy, and the future of free speech in New Zealand, this is a day you don’t want to miss.

Do your local candidates stand for free speech? 🗣️

In case you missed it, our team has put together the 2025 Local Government Election Report, based on survey responses we received from candidates across the country.

In it, you’ll find who in your area fronted up to our questionnaire, how they answered on key free speech issues, and how they compare to others on the ballot.

We trust you’ll find these responses helpful in ensuring you have the information you need to evaluate which candidates value protecting your voice. Read the report here.

Free speech is a hot topic right now. Stories like Graham Linehan's arrest in the UK and the murder of Charlie Kirk in the US feel far too close to home. 

Our mission feels more important than ever, John. Together, we have held would-be-censors at bay in New Zealand, but our work must continue if we're to see our institutions respect free speech, if we're to stop seeing words equated with violence, and if we're to have a culture that truly values a diversity of views. 

I believe, with your support, this is possible.

Jillaine Heather | Chief Executive