We are a group of New Zealanders concerned with on-going threats to free speech and the exchange of ideas.

We originally formed to challenge Auckland Council on its decision to deny a venue to Lauren Southern and Stefan Molyneux, but since then, new threats to free speech have emerged that require urgent attention.

In August, Massey University’s Vice-Chancellor cancelled an event with Dr Don Brash based on ‘security’ concerns, while internal emails revealed her motivation to be political.

And in the wake of the tragic Christchurch mosque attacks, the Chief Censor has blocked New Zealanders from legally reading the attacker’s manifesto, despite the widespread desire and need to understand the motivations behind evil.

We need your help.

The price of liberty is eternal vigilance.

When authorities capitulate to thugs who threaten events with violence, they embolden others who seek to restrict speech via the “thugs’ veto”.

And since the Christchurch attacks, New Zealand’s political environment is especially vulnerable to reflexive and ill-considered restrictions on rights, including freedom of speech.

These restrictions should be unacceptable in a society that values free speech and the open exchange of ideas.

These threats to free speech require public responses and sometimes legal action – activities that take time and financial resources. You can donate to the cause here or join the Coalition here.

 

Recent News


Dear Supporter -- Condolences over Christchurch Some of you will have noticed the message of condolence we posted to join the nation in mourning over the horrific terror attack in Christchurch. The violence in Christchurch was not just an attack on the Muslim community – it was an assault on our...

MEDIA RELEASE Banning of manifesto is a step too far 23 March 2019 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE The Free Speech Coalition says the Censor’s banning of the Christchurch terrorist attacker’s manifesto is wrong, unconstitutional, and counterproductive. “This is a completely improper use of the censorship powers,” says Coalition Spokesman and constitutional lawyer,...

Free Speech Coalition offers condolences to those affected by the Christchurch Shooting   The Free Speech Coalition joins the rest of New Zealand in its mourning and condemnation of the events in Christchurch.  On behalf of the Coalition, Rachel Poulain says: "Yesterday, New Zealand’s Muslim community, the people of Christchurch and...

 
MEDIA RELEASE NZ must be better than Australia on Yiannopoulos issue 7 March 2019 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE The Government must reaffirm its position on allowing controversial speakers to enter New Zealand in light of the Morrison government’s denial of entry for Milo Yiannopoulos.  Free Speech Coalition spokesperson David Cumin says,...

This afternoon Massey University released a report it commissioned from Martin Jenkins titled Cancellation of venue for Dr Brash speaking event: Independent report for the Massey University Council on lessons from this episode. You can read the report here. We had a heads-up that the report was coming, but had...

Next week, New Zealand is expected to sign the United Nations’ Global Compact for Safe, Orderly and Regular Migration. While it is non-binding, the protocol could still damage New Zealanders’ right to free speech and debate. The Free Speech Coalition is indifferent on immigration policy matters; reasonable people can agree to disagree....