In part two of this Free Speech Union Podcast, we follow Giles Brant and Peter Hardy to the end of their legal battle with the New Zealand Law Society. From a single email complaint to landmark rulings in the High Court and Court of Appeal, this episode traces their fight for free speech within the legal profession. Listen as they reflect on the principles at stake, the reality of challenging powerful institutions, and what it means to stand for truth and justice under intense scrutiny. Part two of two.

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In this episode of the Free Speech Union Podcast, council member Thomas Newman sits down with lawyers Giles Brant and Peter Hardie to unpack a chilling story of professional scrutiny and the fight for free speech. Hear how a simple email exchange triggered a gruelling disciplinary process with the Law Society — and what their ordeal reveals about the state of professional regulation today. This conversation explores the balance between professional ethics, personal freedoms, and the ever-present threat of censorship. Essential listening for anyone interested in where free speech and professional standards collide. Part one of two.

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In this episode, Nick and Steph sit down with Shamubeel Eaqub—an economist, author, and commentator—to discuss the findings of his recent study on social cohesion. They explore the various trends and factors contributing to a rise in people feeling less connected, and how we might move forward through free speech.

For more information about Shamubeel, check out his website: www.eaqub.com.

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In this episode, Nick is joined by Eric Heinze, Professor of Law and Humanities at Queen Mary, University of London. A leading voice in legal philosophy, human rights, and the law-and-literature movement, Heinze unpacks the ideas in his latest book, Coming Clean: The Rise of Critical Theory and the Future of the Left. Together, they explore the intersections of free speech, critical theory, and the ongoing battles in today’s culture wars.

You can find more information about Eric at www.ericheinze.com

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Revisit Dr. James Lindsays talk from the Wellington event of his New Zealand tour with the Free Speech Union. Dr. Lindsay shares his thoughts, fears and concerns about the rising treats of “woke” on the right and the communist and socialist undertones driving woeness, cancel culture and various attacks on western liberal democracy. 

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Jacob Mchangama is the Founder and Executive Director of The Future of Free Speech, a research professor at Vanderbilt University, and a Senior Fellow at the Foundation for Individual Rights and Expression (FIRE). A valued friend of the FSU, he joins Nick in this episode to discuss his recent global survey on the state of free speech.

Learn more about Jacob’s work at futurefreespeech.org

The Global Survey can be found here: futurefreespeech.org/who-supports-free-speech-findings-from-a-global-survey

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In this episode of the Free Speech Union podcast, Nathan and Nick discuss free speech challenges. They unpack media coverage, police conduct around protest, and the role of churches in protests, while calling for balanced law enforcement and peaceful discourse amid rising tensions.

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‘Hate crime’ laws? Without a clear, shared definition of ‘hate,’ we’re treading on shaky ground. Who decides what’s ‘hateful’? 

Tell the Law Commission that legislating against ‘hate’ is a fool’s errand. 

Submit now - https://www.freespeechsubmission.nz/

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Nathan, Jonathan, Nick, Steph look back on a big year of wins, challenges, and everything in between. From legal battles to media advocacy and educational tours, they share highlights, lessons, and hopes for 2025. A huge thanks to the community that makes it all possible!

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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.

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