Dear John --

Why hate speech should be condemned not criminalised

I was privileged to give a speech on the Freedom of Speech, to the University of Western Sydney recently that was well received. At that occasion, also, I was honoured to be made an Adjunct Professor of Law.

In summary, my speech was based on the premise that  “The criminalisation of speech is one of the most serious limitations on the right to freedom of expression that can be contemplated.”

It is my opinion, that speech that is designed to incite violence, should be criminalized but this is well beyond speech that is insulting or offensive.  This latter type of expression can be criticised  because it is purposefully designed to offend or insult but anything further is a restriction of the right to democratic expression and participation. People like us, in Australia and New Zealand, don’t want to be in a situation where people are scared to express their opinions and views because of the threat that they may be prosecuted for doing so.

In the words of Lord Justice Sedley, free speech allows for “not only the inoffensive but the irritating, the contentious, the eccentric, the heretical, the unwelcome and the provocative provided it does not intend to provoke violence.”

Someone expressing an unpopular view or opinion or even hate speech is to be tolerated as long as violence is not also called for.  To be limited in how you  express yourself because you might offend someone, is not a basis for limiting your right to freedom of expression.

NZ Asian Lawyer of the Year Award

I have recently attended the inaugural 2024 NZ Asian Lawyer of the Year  Awards organised by NZ Asian Lawyers Inc president Mai Chen.  Asian descended lawyers make up a quarter of all lawyers with less than seven years of experience in New Zealand, so they are a significant group within the New Zealand Law Society  and the Auckland District Law Society.

For the inaugural awards this year, any lawyers of Asian descent practicing in New Zealand whether in private practice, or as  in-house lawyers, academic lawyers and public servants were eligible for nomination provided that they demonstrated that they  made an outstanding contribution to the profession/organisation they work for. They were also assessed on the way in which they

- Provided legal services to Asian New Zealanders in a way that is in line with New Zealand Asian Lawyers’ Inc. objectives;
- Promoted the rule of law;
- Provided a valuable contribution to initiatives that have benefitted the Asian community in New Zealand with legal services or issues.

The Awards were supported by the profession being Russell McVeagh, Heritage Law and Sir Anand Satyanand who was a member of the senior judging panel. The Auckland District Law Society also provided support.

My message to the 31 high-calibre lawyers who put their names forward, was to remember that the Law is the very fabric of Society and it enables us to deal with disputes fairly and without violence. I also advised that lawyers should rely on themselves and do what they know is right, all the while knowing that the legal profession and myself as Attorney-General will support them. Lawyers must stand up for the profession which is free from corruption and prides itself on having immense integrity.

This year I was honoured to present the awards to the winners who were Ms Tina Liu named New Zealand Asian Lawyer of the Year Award and Robb Bautista named the 2024 New Zealand Young Asian Lawyer of the Year.

Their awards were due to their significant contribution to assist people of Asian descent in New Zealand in a practical, tangible way,  a significant contribution to issues concerning access to justice and the promotion of justice for Asian or any culturally and linguistically diverse parties in the courts.

My congratulations to the two winners and all the candidates considered for these awards who received certificates recording their participation in this inaugural, New Zealand-wide event. 

Safe, secure digital identity services on the way

The Digital Identity Services Trust Framework has been finalised and it will allow New Zealanders to complete everyday tasks securely online and in person. It will also allow for  safe future digital identity services, such as a digital driver licence, bank ID or trade certification.

The Trust Framework sets out how accredited digital identity services, including privacy and security requirements, must work, with providers meeting the specific, established rules and regulations.

This Framework will make sharing our details like name, address, age, qualifications and important documents much more secure because we will be using an accredited digital identity service.

The Trust Framework rules came into effect on 8 November 2024. More information about the Trust Framework, can be found here: Trust Framework - dia.govt.nz <[link removed]>

Papakura Events at Bruce Pulman Park

The Sikh Games are being held on the weekend of 30th November and 1st December 2024 at Bruce Pulman Park. Details on Facebook.com <[link removed]>

Papakura Rotary Christmas Festival and Parade 8th December 2024 at 11am and parade at 1pm at Bruce Pulman Park, Walters Road Takanini.

You can ask about entering a float for your club by emailing [email protected] <mailto:[email protected]>.

I am looking forward to being at Bruce Pulman Park, Walters Road for both these events that herald the start of summer sports and Christmas events for all of us.

Best wishes,

Judith

Hon Judith Collins KC MP for Papakura



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NZ National Party - 41 Pipitea St, Wellington 6011, New Zealand
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