We’re a small team, passionate about defending all Kiwi’s speech rights. With a range of experience and skills and backed by your support, we punch above our weight.
team members
Jonathan Ayling
Chief Executive
Jonathan has worked in Wellington for 8 years across roles as a Beehive staffer, senior political advisor, and in the NGO sector. In addition to leading the work at the Free Speech Union, he and his wife own a vineyard in the Wairarapa (which is almost as stressful as politics!).
Nathan Seiuli
Outreach and Events Manager
Nathan has a background working with youth in community outreach, so is an ideal fit for our work of convincing another generation that free speech is worth defending.
Nadia Braddon-Parsons
Communications and Marketing Manager
With a Bachelor of Communication, Nadia has a passion for using words constructively and meaningfully to defend Kiwis’ rights.
Hannah Clow
Senior Legal Counsel
With varied experience in civil litigation, employment, commercial, and private client matters, Hannah champions our legal cases. She also does an excellent job researching and preparing many of our letters, submissions, and reports.
Nick Hanne
Education Partnerships Manager
If free speech is to be cherished and maintained, we need the next generation to know about it. As an experienced high school teacher who is passionate advocate of civil liberties, Nick is the perfect fit to develop and present our Speak Up! program in schools.
Arian Tashakkori
Operations
If you've contacted us, you've probably received a message from Arian already. Studying toward his conjoint bachelor's degree in Commerce and Global Studies, Arian brings a knowledgeable perspective to the team and juggles our correspondence and processes.
Stephanie Martin
Stakeholder Relationship Manager
Passionate about people, Steph looks after our professional memberships as our Stakeholder Relationship Manager. She works with, and advocates for, our councils and members, to ensure that Kiwis' speech rights are being upheld in all contexts.