I didn't want to stand.

As a supporter of the Free Speech Union, you’ll be accustomed to the messages that populate your inbox from Jonathan Ayling. It wouldn’t have taken you many emails to realise that he’s rather passionate about free speech, civil liberties, democracy and service.

His greatest strengths are his tireless dedication and persistence to make New Zealand, not just a better place, but a country that is heralded globally as being the most free. But freedom, I have realised, always comes at a cost. 

On the eve of ANZAC Day, it is this message of service that I write to you about.

As Jonathan’s wife of six years, four of which have been during his time leading the FSU, I can honestly say I didn’t quite know what I was getting myself in for. Because, after years of proof reading his rousing emails encouraging you the supporters to speak up, stand up and do your bit, the prod to do MY bit came at the last local government elections. 

With two kids under three and a husband who travels extensively, I felt sure I was already doing my bit. However, after weeks of frequent and often loud protests, I found my name printed on the voting paper for our local council elections.

For the years that we have called the Wairarapa home, I had grumbled at the city-sized price tag which country living comes with. With rates that rival any district in the country, I felt someone had to stand up and do something.

It turned out that someone was me. That someone this election could be you.

ANZAC day is our annual reminder that in years past and still today, brave men and woman leave our shores to fight for our freedom.

Freedom doesn’t come free. It costs; some ultimately their lives, others their livelihoods, and perhaps for the lucky ones it only costs their time. 

In order to avoid the consequences of complacency and comfort, my encouragement to you all, is to think this year how you can best serve.

If you have the inclination or perhaps just frustration, consider standing for your local council.

Our communities require people like yourself to stand up and serve. It is so easy to feel despondent and helpless at the things happening around us. But things don’t just happen, people are behind each movement that you see, and you too have the ability to help shift the dial.

We have free speech in this country, so we should damn well use it. Speak up against things that matter to you. Speak for things that are important. Stand with others who are like minded, and make change happen.

Democracy relies on people not just blindly ticking a box, but on people standing on that box and saying I’ll do my part, if you do yours. 

Whether its local council or your children’s school board. Don’t settle for being a concerned spectator, get amongst it.

- Grace Ayling | Local councillor and proud supporter of the FSU

PS. If you can't stand for your local council, or school board just isn't for you, would you consider donating this ANZAC Day to the biggest organisation fighting for your civil liberties in New Zealand? If we don't pay now with dollars, what will we need to sacrifice in the future?