Paul Brennan and Free Speech Union Chief Executive Jonathan Ayling discuss concerns surrounding Lower Hutt Mayor Campbell Barry's use of the Harmful Digital Communications Act (HDCA) to silence online critics. The mayor reportedly took legal action against a resident who raised issues on Facebook about unconsented building work and potential misuse of zoning knowledge. This action, which resulted in a court suppression order, prevented the critic from mentioning the mayor online, sparking criticism of the HDCA’s broad and vague powers. Ayling argues the Act is being misused to stifle political dissent and democratic debate, pointing to similar cases, including one involving a Chinese Kiwi journalist. The Free Speech Union is now campaigning for urgent legislative reform and engaging with police and government leaders to address broader concerns around censorship and the erosion of free speech in New Zealand.

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