While we're up against a number of major (and really troubling) fights, I'm sure you might wonder whether all our work makes any difference.

Well, I have some great news for you to wrap up your Friday afternoon that's just made my day. 

This afternoon, Minister of Justice Paul Goldsmith announced a new Chief Human Rights Commissioner and a new Race Relations Commissioner... 

As you know, the Human Rights Commission has an important job, but for years has neglected, and even actively opposed, speech rights. You'd think the Commission would be an ally we could work with, but it was, in fact, an opponent! 

Well, Dr. Stephen Rainbow has been appointed the new Chief Human Rights Commissioner, a supporter and friend of the Free Speech Union, who has a strong background defending speech rights. (In fact, he was one of the first cases we took on years ago when he ran into a spot of bother himself for raising concerns about the Conversion Therapy Legislation that was going through Parliament). 

But, what I am most excited to tell you is that Dr. Melissa Derby, a founding member of the Free Speech Union, who only recently resigned from her position from our Council, has been made the Race Relations Commissioner! 

It's no news to you, that Race Relations is one of the most fraught areas of discussion today. This will be a challenging job, but one in which a principled, non-partisan actor dedicated to the basic rights of all Kiwis will flourish. 

This news has made my day- I hope it's made yours too. 

Jonathan Ayling Chief Executive Free Speech Union www.fsu.nz