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RIGHT BIAS

These media sources are moderately to strongly biased toward conservative causes through story selection and/or political affiliation. They may utilize strong loaded words (wording that attempts to influence an audience by using appeal to emotion or stereotypes), publish misleading reports, and omit information reporting that may damage conservative causes. Some sources in this category may be untrustworthy. See all Right Bias sources.

• Overall, we rate the Free Speech Union (New Zealand) as Right-Biased due to its consistent opposition to progressive cultural norms and support for libertarian-style free speech advocacy. We rate its reporting as Mixed for factual accuracy due to selective topic framing and ideological positioning.

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History

The Free Speech Union (FSU) is a New Zealand-based registered trade union that advocates for the protection and promotion of free expression. It began in 2018 as the Free Speech Coalition, formed in response to the cancellation of an event featuring Canadian speakers Lauren Southern and Stefan Molyneux, and rebranded in 2021 as the Free Speech Union, modeled after the UK sister organization of the same name.

While its references to labor history and trade unionism may initially suggest a progressive orientation, the FSU primarily promotes libertarian and culturally conservative views on free speech issues. According to its About page, the group aims to “defend and promote the rights of New Zealanders to freely seek, receive and impart information” and views freedom of expression as a “cornerstone of democracy and a free society.”

Read our profile on New Zealand media and government.

Funded by / Ownership

The Free Speech Union (FSU) is a registered trade union based in Wellington, New Zealand. While the organization does not publicly disclose detailed financial information, multiple indicators suggest an operational relationship with the New Zealand Taxpayers’ Union. Both entities list their address as Level 4, 117 Lambton Quay, Wellington 6011, and a recent FSU newsletter footer notes authorization by “J Williams, Free Speech Coalition” at the exact location. The Free Speech Union is led by Chief Executive Jonathan Ayling, a former adviser to Members of Parliament from the center-right National Party. The group is governed by a council consisting of legal experts, academics, and media professionals. FSU claims to be nonpartisan and independent, although its leadership and affiliations suggest alignment with libertarian and fiscally conservative networks.

Analysis / Bias

The FSU’s editorial and campaign material consistently reflects a libertarian and culturally conservative perspective, particularly in opposition to what it characterizes as “ideological conformity” in professional, academic, and government settings. Its content is framed from a position of defending speech rights against perceived progressive orthodoxy. Topics selected for blog coverage and public campaigns often highlight individuals or institutions punished for speech deemed politically incorrect, a framing approach common among advocacy organizations with ideological missions.

For example, in a blog post titled “Should your opinions have to align with your employer’s?”, the FSU criticizes professional licensing bodies for allegedly disciplining individuals based on personal views expressed outside the workplace. Another article, “Free Speech Union Welcomes Legislation to Protect Academic Freedom in Universities introduced to Parliament today,” supports a bill to limit universities’ ability to sanction staff for controversial views, including those that question the integration of mātauranga Māori, a traditional Māori knowledge system*. While support for mātauranga Māori is typically associated with progressive educational and cultural values, the FSU frames its institutional promotion as a risk to academic freedom—an example of its broader critique of enforced ideological conformity.

The Union’s campaign opposing the Christchurch Call further reveals its ideological stance. While acknowledging the tragedy of the 2019 terrorist attack, the FSU argues that the government’s efforts to regulate online content have expanded to suppress dissent on gender issues and cultural norms, claiming the initiative risks being co-opted to “suppress free speech” rather than target violent extremism. The campaign urges the Prime Minister to reconsider or end the initiative, portraying it as part of a rising trend to suppress “unpopular opinions.”

While the Union regularly references legislation, official reports, and public policy language, it consistently frames these sources through a free-speech absolutist lens, positioning itself in opposition to what it sees as expanding ideological restrictions in public life.

*Mātauranga Māori refers to the traditional Māori knowledge systems and worldviews, which are increasingly integrated into New Zealand’s academic, environmental, and policy institutions.

Failed Fact Checks

• None in the Last 5 years

Overall, we rate the Free Speech Union (New Zealand) as Right-Biased due to its consistent opposition to progressive cultural norms and support for libertarian-style free speech advocacy. We rate its reporting as Mixed for factual accuracy due to selective topic framing and ideological positioning. (M. Huitsing 04/18/2025)

Source: https://www.fsu.nz/

Last Updated on April 18, 2025 by Media Bias Fact Check

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Left vs. Right Bias: How we rate the bias of media sources