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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.

Protect Local Democracy

Protect Local Democracy

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Protect debate on sex and gender

Protect debate on sex and gender

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'Hate' is subjective: whether speech or crime

'Hate' is subjective: whether speech or crime

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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 a network of Kiwis motivated by the dire need to protect free speech across all areas - media, academia, politics, workplaces, city councils…

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

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How we can help

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

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.

Get in touch

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

At the Free Speech Union, we defend your right to speak freely, no matter your opinion.

Latest News

October 8, 2025

Protest pressures: A tempting but dangerous bill

The right to protest is a hot topic this week, have you noticed?Today, disruptive Pro-Palestinian pr...

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October 8, 2025

Request for Review: Majority Decision in Pauline Davies Against Rotorua Daily Post Inconsistent with Media Council Principles

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October 7, 2025

Vague and broad: Bill to restrict protest near homes risks limiting speech

07 October 2025FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASEVague and broad: Bill to restrict protest near homes risks limit...

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