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Description
Free to Speak is the New Zealand podcast that goes beyond headlines to explore the principles behind our most contentious debates.
Produced by the New Zealand Free Speech Union, it examines freedom of expression and why it matters to a free and democratic society.
Expect interviews with guests from New Zealand and around the world, plus deep dives with our Council into the cases and policy work shaping free speech today.
Any questions, queries or feedback? Email: podcast@fsu.nz
www.fsu.nz
185 Episodes
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Eli discusses the rush to ban social media for under-16s and examines stronger evidence that school structures and heavy homework drive youth distress. Eli Stark Elster makes the case for autonomy, free play, and targeted fixes over blanket bans and digital IDs. • correlation versus causation in mental health research • consistent seasonal suicide patterns tied to school terms • shortcomings of screen‑time metrics and “true‑ish” narratives • Haidt’s claims, wins on free play, and policy cont...
We argue that real free speech requires the courage to criticise the radicals on our own side without sliding into denunciation or cancellation. We test where open debate ends and coercion begins, from political correctness and taboo research to hate speech laws and contested definitions of antisemitism. • why “never criticise your right” weakens debate and traps movements in loyalty tests • media and institutional power shaping the Overton window of acceptable speech • poli...
We break down the Broadcasting Standards Authority’s claim that it can regulate online platforms under the Broadcasting Act 1989, even though Parliament never updated the law for the internet. We talk through why that change threatens open debate, why the standards are so subjective, and why we think this fight matters for free speech in New Zealand. • the BSA asserting jurisdiction over online speech via an old statute • why broadcast standards existed in a scarce spectrum era&nb...
📌 Buy Tickets for Sarah's NZ Tour: https://www.fsu.nz/events/mclaughlin-tour 📅 Tour dates: 📍 Auckland - Sun 19 April 📍 Tauranga - Tue 21 April 📍 Wellington - Wed 22 April 📍 Christchurch - Thu 23 April 📍 Dunedin - Fri 24 April We talk with Sarah McLaughlin from FIRE about why free speech threats spread across borders faster than most people notice, especially online. We dig into how self-censorship, “online safety” rules, and hate speech laws ca...
We talk with Kellie-Jay Keen-Minshull (Posie Parker) about the Albert Park Let Women Speak event and the moments that turned a public talk into a violent crush-risk situation. We dig into what censorship looks like on the ground, why policing choices matter, and how fear makes ordinary people self-censor. • why Kelly targets New Zealand as a case study for compliance and gender ideology • efforts to stop the visit through visa pressure, hotel cancellations and security pull-outs&...
We dig into the second COVID inquiry and why New Zealand still needs real accountability rather than polished narratives. Ani O'Brien argues that free speech, dissent, and honest scrutiny are not side issues but the core safeguards that stop crisis policy from sliding into coercion. • why adversarial challenge strengthens democracy and decision-making • how media dynamics shape what can be questioned • the use of misinformation and disinformation labels to shut down debate ...
We speak with Forough Amin, founder of Iranian Women in New Zealand, about Iran’s contested past, the machinery of censorship, and why a renaissance is still possible. History, ideology, and free speech collide as we follow the path from the Shahs to the present regime and the fight for truth. • Pahlavi-era modernisation and White Revolution reforms • context for judging the Shah versus the theocracy • scale of executions and repression under the Islamic Republic • political Islam’s regional...
We examine the proposed nursing Code of Conduct through culture, law, and lived reality, asking how far regulation should reach into nurses’ private speech. Deborah Cunliffe and Dr Roderick Mulgan unpack conformity in institutions, the legal test for disrepute, and the chilling effect on whistleblowing and public debate. • institutional conformity shaping nurse behaviour • vague standards used to police lawful opinions • legal threshold for bringing profession into disrepute • the Cath Simps...
We trace a working life in New Zealand journalism with Yvonne Van Dongen, exploring how subs, travel desks, and lively disagreements shaped stronger reporting, and why today’s monoculture and omissions threaten trust. We compare shoe-leather craft with hot takes and argue for free speech as the backbone of credible media. • Amsterdam detour to newsroom doors and a bruising AUT interview culture • Canterbury training, shorthand, and the saving grace of sub-editors • Weekly-paper freedom, trav...
We dig into the Nursing Council’s draft code with ACT MP Todd Stephenson, asking how far professional standards should reach into private speech. We argue for clear rules tied to patient safety, real whistleblowing paths, and strong protections for lawful off‑duty expression. • risks in Principle 4 on social media and private views • why vague words like offensive or ill‑informed invite misuse • the difference between clinical context and off‑duty speech • lessons from current complaints and...
We trace Greg Fleming’s path from charity leader to MP and his decision to learn Te Reo Māori as an adult, linking language revitalisation with a culture of listening and free speech. We test tokenism, compulsion, and what realistic, hopeful goals for Te Reo might look like. • representing a highly mixed electorate and staying accessible • dialogue as a proven way to reduce radicalisation • awkward first steps bringing tikanga into workplace rhythms • staff learning pathways and hosting comm...
In this episode of Free to Speak, Dane is joined by University of Auckland academic David Cumin to unpack the free speech flashpoints that follow moments of national shock. They start with the Adelaide Writers’ Festival controversy - where Palestinian activist Randa Abdel-Fattah was disinvited, sparking a mass boycott - and dig into what “principled” free speech looks like when the same institutions have previously sidelined pro-Israel voices. From there, they examine how Australi...
This first “board roundup” episode focuses on a bigger pattern: regulators trying to extend their reach into online speech and private life. The board unpacks the Broadcasting Standards Authority’s attempt to assert jurisdiction over internet live-streaming and podcasts (sparked by a complaint involving Sean Plunket), and what that would mean for alternative media and even ordinary people livestreaming online. They then turn to The Telecommunications Amendment Bill they argue quie...
Lawyer and Free Speech Union council member Douglas Brown joins the Free to Speak podcast to unpack the growing fight over who governs the internet - and why it matters for free expression in New Zealand. Using InternetNZ and its recent board election as a case study, Douglas and host Dane Giraud trace how internet governance decisions (often quietly) shape what can and can’t be said online, and why Western democracies are increasingly flirting with restrictions - from platform regulati...
This week, Patrick talks with Georgina Blackmore about the upcoming Abortion Legalisation Bill, in particular the “safe areas” which the bill would establish to prevent protest in the vicinity of abortion clinics, and the state of protest rights globally. Georgina has been at the forefront of a number of protest groups, and is an experienced and skilled activist. With the (accidental) passing of the SOP making these "safe zones" ineffective, free speech activists can breathe a sigh of ...
This is the first part in a two part discussion with world renowned moral philosopher and psychologist James Flynn. Professor Flynn has been at the forefront of the discussion on intelligence, race and IQ, bringing this together with a deep grasp of moral and political philosophy. In this episode Professor Flynn covers his research and study on intelligence and its application to politics, and the current state of universities. Support the show https://www.fsu.nz/ https://x.com/NZFreeSpee...
Join Nick Hanne, Jillaine Heather, and Alex Penk for an FSU Talk on the recent Law Commission's discussion paper which examined the question of amending the Human Rights Act to include trans gender and intersex individuals as a protected class. These potential changes have significant implications for free speech and the weaponisation of a subjective definition of identity and also harm. Support the show https://www.fsu.nz/ https://x.com/NZFreeSpeech https://www.instagram.com/freespeechnz/ ht...
In this episode Jonathan sits down with Major Grant Fletcher, a barrister based in Christchurch, and Graham Edgler, lawyer and political and legal. They delve into the pressing issue of new hate training for police officers, the implications of hate speech and hate crime laws in New Zealand, and how these affect free speech. Tune in for a stimulating discussion on the balance between regulation and freedom, and the societal implications of these contentious issues. Support the show http...
Join Nathan, Jonathan, and Hannah for this episode for the Free Speech Union podcast to dive into the pressing issues surrounding free speech in New Zealand, focusing on the implications of recent police training on hate crimes, the role of the Law Commission, and the influence of unelected officials. Jonathan and Hannah provide insightful commentary and updates on ongoing efforts to protect free speech rights in the face of growing challenges. Support the show https://www.fsu.nz/ https...
Join us for a thought-provoking episode of the Free Speech Union Podcast. Hosted by Jonathan (FSU NZ CEO), this episode features a deep dive into the essence of free speech, democracy, and societal values with Professor Mike Grimshaw from the University of Canterbury. Explore the historical and philosophical underpinnings of free speech, the challenges posed by modern societal shifts, and the crucial role of civil liberties. Whether you're a seasoned thinker or new to these concepts, this eng...
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He was going on about people not even getting to the gate of the marketplace of ideas, and I was surprised Jonathan didn't bring up the example of Posie Parker who came to NZ for a speaking tour to speak up for women's rights but never got to speak due to a violent mob from the rainbow community who attacked her and her supporters. That is one of the most shameful suppressions of free speech by one group against another group.
Aaaargh, this is so annoying! Voices regularly fade right down to virtual silence, so I miss what was said during these fade outs. Get some advice from a professional podcaster or sound technician.