3 days ago
From Strength To Strength: Free Speech Union Releases 2025 Annual Report
The Free Speech Union is proud to release its 2025 Annual Report, displaying another year full of free speech victories. From silenced individuals vindicated, to national campaigns, to international coverage and growth, it's clear the Free Speech Union is shifting New Zealand's culture for the better, says Stephen Franks, Chair of the Free Speech Union.
'Whether it's campaigning against unworkable and subjective 'hate crime' laws, exposing unlawful training NZ Police were conducting for their officers, holding local councils accountable, defending individuals who were unjustly silenced by their employers or professional bodies, inserting ourselves into institutions that aren't respecting free speech, running national tours with international speakers, or running workshops in schools, we're leading the conversation on free speech in New Zealand.
'No one can fight this battle alone. But with over 100,000 Kiwis backing us, we've proven the value of people power. Our 2025 Annual Report covers extensively our cases, campaigns, content, and coaching – everything that our team and donors make possible.
'We want to see Kiwis able to freely express themselves without fear of retribution. Over time, it's become clear that certain professions are far more hostile to free speech than others. Our 2025 Annual Report outlines our strategy with our seven profession-specific memberships launched over the past year, enabling us to provide tailored support to professionals as a union.
'Increasingly, we see countries New Zealand often compares itself to, like the UK or Canada, abusing speech rights. Stories from beyond our shores motivate us even further to protect this foundational human right in New Zealand. We are proud to be founding members of the International Association of Free Speech Unions, launched in July last year in Sydney, and have become a global example of success in defending speech rights.
'With the Free Speech Union, Kiwis never have to face the fight to speak freely alone. Our 2025 Annual Report shows how every victory from the past year is paving the way for an even bigger and better year ahead.'
