How to Down Racism
“Obviously, any Maori or Polynesian names currently borne by pubs, warships and parks with less-than-perfect reputations will have to be reviewed.”
13Sep 
26Aug 
She’ll be right…? Is New Zealand stuck in the churn of complacency?
“Our challenge, then as now, is to facilitate the organic growth of a New Zealand culture, not the synthetic, deliberate choosing and mixing of elements” – Mike Grimshaw
16Aug 
The very English pastime of silencing the poor…
The recent riots in the UK and the government’s heavy-handed response, marked by censorship and imprisonments, have raised concerns. Under the leadership of new Prime Minster Keir Starmer, the state’s approach to managing dissent appears increasingly authoritarian. Social media mogul Elon Musk has also come under fire for allowing for, and himself posting, misinformation. Tony […]
1Aug
Heretics – but no Communists – in the University??!!
Free speech and tertiary education in NZ Given the recent debates, disputes, and discussions concerning free speech in New Zealand universities, it’s timely to go back and examine a forgotten episode from which we might learn how – and how not – to proceed today. In a time where issues of free speech are somehow […]
18Jul 
Who’s teaching our teachers? Punishing dissenting voices in education
“There is a deliberate and often orchestrated attempt to filter out dissenting or independent thinkers at the professional level” – Nick Hanne
18Jul
A philosopher, a clergyman and a trade union leader walk into a meeting… (or, the question of civil liberties – and free speech)
“Why is there the need for a Free Speech Union if there is a Council for Civil Liberties?” – Mike Grimshaw
15Jul 
The posturing over a problematic, peaceful panel
“… this fiasco is what happens when – through cowardice or worse – leaders fail to lead and act according to their stated values” – @JulietMosesNZ
12Jul 
Could these player changes spark the Warriors run to the finals?
“Shaun Johnson needs to do the same, and tell Webster he’ll take a crack at five-eight” – The 18th Man
10Jul
Thatcher’s whanau… and a renewed social contract?
“…we need to ensure the family unit is more than just a traditional nuclear family and even Thatcher endorsed that” – Mike Grimshaw
28Jun 
Councils answer to the people
“If it weren’t for the Free Speech Union, cancellations and refused bookings would be swept under the rug” – Nadia Braddon-Parsons