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Court-backed gag order in McSkimming case deepens concerns for public discourse and institutional trust News that the Former Deputy Police Commissioner obtained a ‘super injunction’ (now partially lifted) restricting press from reporting on allegedly inappropriate use of his work computer is of great concern for public discourse and institutional trust says Stephen Franks, Free Speech Union Council Member. “It’s emerged that on Friday, Jevon McSkimming received a rare ‘super injunction’ that prohibited media not only from reporting on the allegedly objectionable material found on his work computer, but also the fact he’d sought the injunction. “This was an outrageous decision by the High Court. An individual’s wish for secrecy must not come at the cost of public confidence in an open and transparent justice system. “Free speech ensures that the media can report on cases like McSkimming’s, and that the public can scrutinise the actions of officials and decide for themselves whether that conduct is unacceptable or not. Without being free to discuss these matters of public interest, the media, public, and watchdogs lose the ability to assess if and how systems within the Police force failed and if reforms are needed. “Just last week, we welcomed an IPCA report that found the Police had lied about the details of an unlawful arrest of a protester. And now, we have the High Court issuing a gag order to restrict reporting on a different case related to Police conduct. “A service we can’t trust, coupled with gag orders by the High Court, is a disaster-in-waiting. Transparency and the ability to discuss the conduct of our officials is essential if New Zealand is to trust its key institutions. “The High Court should be defending Kiwis’ rights to seek, receive and impart information, not limiting it, especially when it’s related to how Police are using public time and resources.”

Government legislation on academic freedom sign of new hope for universities Legislation changes announced by the Government today signals that academic freedom can still be restored to university campuses. New Zealand universities have consistently shown they’re not fulfilling their obligations to uphold academic freedom; this is a strong move to address this issue, says Jonathan Ayling, Chief Executive of the Free Speech Union. “The Free Speech Union has advocated for legislative intervention to bolster academic freedom, working with the Government to develop this policy. It is a victory to see it take place. We welcome the Government announcement today of strong measures to ensure free speech on our university campuses. “We know from our own surveys and research, as well as a host of other evidence, that threats to academic freedom are now entrenched and pervasive throughout New Zealand universities. The new legislation promises to counteract these threats. “We’re pleased to see a stipulation to uphold institutional neutrality. In recent years, instances of universities taking a substantive position on contested issues has had a stifling effect on staff and students who hold an opposing view, but don’t feel they can express it. “Diversity of opinion can only be maintained when the playing field is kept equal for all free speech. “The inclusion of processes for holding universities to account, through annual reports and robust complaints systems, is also critically important, to ensure that universities meet their legal obligations under the Education and Training Act. “We commend the Government for demonstrating such a strong commitment to restoring the state of academic freedom in our universities.”