NZ Free Speech Union attacks university leader, health minister

The Free Speech Union (FSU) in New Zealand has drawn criticism after it targeted Otago University vice‑chancellor Grant Robertson for expressing personal views on a parliamentary bill and the 2026 budget, and later attacked an investigative journalist who questioned Health Minister Simeon Brown. Brown is pursuing changes that would require the Medical Council and other health regulators to implement government policies, sparking concerns over the independence of health oversight.

In a separate press release, the FSU reaffirmed its opposition to the Harmful Digital Communications Act, describing the legislation as bad law that gives courts excessive power to shut down lawful expression. The union said it will continue campaigning for reform of the act, arguing that leaving such legislation in place threatens free speech.

Both incidents highlight ongoing tensions in New Zealand over free‑speech protections, university governance, and health‑sector regulation.