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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.

The Right to Peacefully Protest is Under Attack

The Right to Peacefully Protest is Under Attack

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Nursing Council’s proposed 2026 Code of Conduct

Nursing Council’s proposed 2026 Code of Conduct

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Put the BSA back in its place.

Put the BSA back in its place.

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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

March 20, 2026

FEEDBACK ON THE DRAFT REPORT TO THE UNITED NATIONS HUMAN RIGHTS COMMITTEE ON THE IMPLEMENTATION OF THE INTERNATIONAL COVENANT ON CIVIL AND POLITICAL RIGHTS

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March 20, 2026

FREE SPEECH UNION SUBMISSION ON THE MEDICAL COUNCIL’S DRAFT STATEMENTS ON CULTURAL COMPETENCE, CULTURAL SAFETY, AND HAUORA MĀORI

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March 13, 2026

Define the Harm First: UK Rejection of Social Media Ban Exposes the Gap in New Zealand’s Approach

MEDIA RELEASE13 March 2026Define the Harm First: UK Rejection of Social Media Ban Exposes the Gap in...

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