Thank you to everyone who contributed feedback on the draft Freedom of Expression statement during the recent consultation process.

The Advisory Group carefully reviewed this feedback and refined the statement as a result. This refined statement was endorsed by Senate at its meeting on 17 November. University Council will now consider this statement, along with advice from Senate, at its next meeting on 10 December.

The New Zealand Government has recently amended the  Education and Training Act 2020 through the Education and Training Amendment Bill (No. 2). One of the changes is a new requirement that all university councils must adopt a statement on freedom of expression. This statement will set out the University’s commitment to upholding freedom of speech in alignment with the requirements of the amended 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.  

• 13 August to 17 October: Consultation period
• 17 November: Draft presented to Senate
• 10 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 a role as a critic and conscience of society through the protection and promotion of freedom of expression and academic freedom. Our university is a place where diverse cultures, identities, ethnicities and value systems contribute to research, teaching, and related activities. Respect for everyone’s right to express their views and a commitment to civil discourse are critical to our function. The University actively fosters and supports lawful and constructive debate by its staff and students on any topic, including with the participation of external speakers invited by a staff member, or a recognised student association or student club. The University may reasonably regulate the time, place, and manner of expression so that the ordinary activities of the University are not unduly disrupted.

The University, as an institution, will not take public positions on matters that do not directly concern university roles, functions or duties. Official University spokespeople may make public statements on matters directly related to university roles, functions or duties, including the wellbeing and safety of staff and students, financial and resource management, sustainability, equity, and university obligations related to Te Tiriti o Waitangi as laid out in the Education and Training Act 2020. Institutional neutrality is not a retreat from important conversations, but a commitment to creating an environment where such conversations can freely take place.