Human beings cannot flourish unless they are free

We protect, expand, and fight for New Zealanders’ rights to freedom of speech, conscience, and intellectual inquiry. We envision a flourishing New Zealand civil society that values and protects vigorous debate, dissenting ideas, and freedom of speech as cultural cornerstones.

Human beings cannot flourish unless they are free

We protect, expand, and fight for New Zealanders’ rights to freedom of speech, conscience, and intellectual inquiry. We envision a flourishing New Zealand civil society that values and protects vigorous debate, dissenting ideas, and freedom of speech as cultural cornerstones.

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'Hate' is subjective: whether speech or crime

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COVID INQUIRY: HAVE YOUR SAY

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We must preserve tolerance and peace in debate over Israel-Gaza conflict

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The Free Speech Union was formed in 2021 and has grown rapidly. It came from the Free Speech Coalition which began in 2018 out of the need to challenge the Mayor of Auckland after he banned people whose views he disliked and treated Council property as his own.

Our job is to fight the expansion of government censorship, by challenging bad legislation and dangerous legal precedents. We’re the central hub of a network of Kiwis who are motivated by the dire need to protect free speech across all areas - media, academia, politics, workplaces, city councils…

About us

We’re a community committed to providing accessible, reliable, impartial advice to make a life-changing difference for people who find themselves ostracised.

News

How we can help

We advocate and defend your human right to freedom of speech, regardless of your stance.

We don’t take any sides on political, cultural, social or ethical matters. But we go into bat so that you can. If you’ve been threatened, silenced, fired, or cancelled, we’ll advocate for your rights through writing letters, petitions, spreading awareness and representing you.

Get in touch today

“Whether it’s in the workplace or the public square, you need the protection of the Free Speech Union. Only with you – and with thousands like you – can we defend free speech”

LATEST NEWS

Free Speech Union urges Auckland University to ensure speech rights are upheld at pro-Palestinian rally

May 01, 2024 Right to Protest MEDIA RELEASE   1 May 2024FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Free Speech Union urges Auckland University to ensure speech rights are upheld at pro-Palestinian rally In response to a pro-Palestian rally planned by students at Auckland University, the Free Speech Union calls on the Vice-Chancellor to ensure that freedoms of speech and... Read more

DIA’s report on Safer Online Platforms overwhelmingly in favour of free expression: submitters say ‘no’ to online censorship

May 01, 2024 Online Regulator MEDIA RELEASE 1 May 2024FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE DIA’s report on Safer Online Platforms overwhelmingly in favour of free expression: submitters say ‘no’ to online censorship  The Department of Internal Affairs has released its summary report on the public submissions to 'Safer Online Services and Media Platforms'. With over 20,000 submissions,... Read more

Free Speech Union to hold panel discussion on free speech if Victoria University doesn’t

Apr 30, 2024 Victoria University MEDIA RELEASE   30 April 2024 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Free Speech Union to hold panel discussion on free speech if Victoria University doesn’t  The Free Speech Union has written to the Council of Victoria University to advise them that they will hold the postponed panel discussion on free speech if... Read more