We kicked off the week with a strategy meeting with our growing team. A young bunch - we're committed to putting in the work needed to protect and expand all Kiwis' right to think and speak freely. 

Our team certainly doesn't agree on everything, but we do agree that our future is dark without this basic freedom. 

Here's how we're defending this fundamental right this week.

Wellington posties refuse to deliver mail they deem 'misinformation' 

Did you see the coverage of posties in Wellington who refused to deliver a pamphlet by advocacy group Better Wellington? Honestly, where do posties get off deciding what information individuals do or don't get to hear? 

We were pleased that in the face of posties refusing to do their one job, NZ Post said that it wasn't up to them to censor Kiwis' mail. However, the Postal Workers Union said they didn't want to censor, but that it was their social responsibility to refuse to deliver this information.

So, in other words, they don't want to be a censor, but for the so-called 'greater good', they're going to anyway? Who gave them that authority?

It must be pretty scandalous stuff, right?! Well, see for yourself: 

The most basic tool that workers' unions have historically used to advocate for employees' rights is free speech. What does it say about the Postal Workers Union if they're willing to undermine this crucial right? 

And, are you happy with your local postie gatekeeping what does and doesn't land in your mailbox? 

The pamphlet raises awareness of Wellington City Council's latest District Plan. The line the Postal Workers Union had a problem with was that the Council was examining the viability of allowing mosques to broadcast a call to prayer. They said it was misleading and 'misinformation'.

Well, if this is the case, then counter-speech is the answer. Censorship doesn't debunk false claims or misunderstandings.   

We wrote to the Union and told them that they should do their jobs and deliver the mail. Co-president of the Union, John Maynard, said in an interview on RNZ's Morning Report that the posties didn't want to be party to "undermining the social relationships in the city and the potential danger for people if that word gets out, because we know what happened in Christchurch."

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The irony is this pamphlet was initially just going to homes in the Wellington region. Now, it's had national media coverage. 

We were pleased this afternoon to hear that NZ Post went ahead with the delivery. They do have a social responsibility - but it's not to cherry-pick what you receive in your mailbox. 

As Jonathan said, just deliver the mail and let us each make up our own minds. 

Curia resigns from the Research Association of New Zealand

It's deeply concerning that posties in New Zealand even consider it their responsibility to pick and choose which mail gets delivered. This goes to the heart of accessing information, so we can be confident in what we believe.

That's also why we were very concerned when we saw the pressure Curia Market Research has come under. 

Curia is a major polling company (they've done polling for the FSU in the past). You may recognise them as the outfit that releases the regular Taxpayers Union/Curia Political poll. Their very job is to ask questions and gauge responses. 

When an independent researcher comes under flak for simply asking questions, it's easy to see how we all end up keeping our opinions to ourselves. 

Despite being a major polling outlet, Curia Market Research recently resigned from the Research Association of New Zealand. Why? The Research Association told them there was risk of suspension for asking a particular question.

What was this outrageous question, you will rightly ask. On behalf of Family First, Curia asked this question:  

The UK health service (the NHS) has stopped the use of puberty blockers, which begin the gender transition process, for children under 16 as it deemed they are too young to consent. Do you support or oppose a similar ban in New Zealand on the use of puberty blockers for young people 16 or younger?

Have we really gone so far that a research organisation can't ask a question like this? This is the essence of censorship. If we can't ask the question, we can't have an open conversation or informed debate. And that's when the thugs can more easily win. 

When we stop being able to methodically analyse and research the current issues of the day, 'controversial' as they may be, we are all worse off. 

Last chance to submit to Law Commission on censorial discussion paper

Have you used our easy, step-by-step tool to tell the Law Commission what you think about the recent discussion document they released? 

The questions they're considering could ultimately make using incorrect pronouns illegal. Are you okay with that? 

Censorship can be a natural impulse to things we consider hurtful, but you and I both know that censorship is not the answer. 

Spend less than five minutes making your submission here.

Thousands have already used our easy tool to make sure your voice is heard, and that all our voices are free to speak out on the issue of sex and gender, no matter our beliefs. Our legal team has been working on a significant submission we will be sending to the Law Commission this week, but it won't have half the impact without your voice joining us. 

Take five minutes and submit now. 

Join us for a live webinar: The Fight for Free Speech Goes Global

In July, our CEO and Chair were in Sydney to help launch the International Association of Free Speech Unions (IAFSU). Next week, we're co-hosting an event and you're invited to join us.  

Come and hear from the leaders of the Free Speech Unions in the UK, South Africa, Australia, and of course, New Zealand about the similarities in the fight for free speech across these countries, and what we're all doing about it. 

RSVP to join us on Wednesday, 4th September at 7:30pm. 

Keeping the would-be-censors at bay is only possible with your continued support. Thank you for enabling us to defend your voice.

Nadia Braddon-Parsons Communications & Marketing Manager Free Speech Union www.fsu.nz

PS. Did you get a chance to read our 2024 Annual Report? Far from a boring list of numbers, I know you'll enjoy hearing about all we've achieved together.