The New Zealand Government has proposed amendments to the Education and Training Act 2020 (the Act) through the Education and Training Amendment Bill (No. 2) that will require all university councils to adopt a statement on freedom of expression. This statement is a high-level declaration, setting out the University’s commitment to upholding freedom of speech and academic freedom, in alignment with the principles of the Act.

Waipapa Taumata Rau, University of Auckland has developed the draft statement below. This statement was created by Distinguished Professor Sir Peter Hunter with support from colleagues including Professor Nikki Harré and members of the Vice-Chancellor’s Advisory Group on Freedom of Expression.

It reaffirms our role as critic and conscience of society, promotes lawful and constructive debate, and commits to institutional neutrality on matters outside our core roles, functions, and duties.  

Consultation on the draft statement is open now, and closes at 5pm on Friday 17 October.  

• 13 August: Consultation opens
• 17 October: Consultation closes
• 17 November: Draft presented to Senate
• December: Council receives advice and feedback summary; final statement considered
• 2026: Implementation of final statement, survey, and complaints process

Waipapa Taumata Rau, University of Auckland fulfils its role as critic and conscience of society through the preservation and enhancement of freedom of expression and academic freedom. Our university is a place where diverse cultures, identities, ethnicities and value systems contribute to research and teaching, and related activities. Respect for everyone’s ability to express diverse views and a commitment to civil discourse is critical to our function. To fulfil these commitments, the University actively fosters and supports lawful and constructive debate by its staff and students on any issue, including with the participation of external speakers invited by a staff member, a recognised student association or club. The University may reasonably regulate the time, place, and manner of expression to ensure that it does not disrupt the ordinary activities of the University.

The University may make provisions and statements on matters directly related to university roles, functions and duties, including the wellbeing and safety of staff and students, financial and resource management, sustainability, and equity. It may also comment on its obligations related to Te Tiriti o Waitangi as laid out in the Education and Training Act 2020. It will not take positions on matters that do not directly relate to university roles, functions or duties.