Free Speech Includes The Right To Protest – But Not The Right To Intimidate

21 December 2025 

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 

Free speech includes the right to protest – but not the right to intimidate 

The confrontation between Destiny Church supporters and a lawful Sikh Nagar Kirtan parade in South Auckland raises questions about where legitimate protest ends and intimidation begins, says Jillaine Heather, Chief Executive of the Free Speech Union. 

"Peaceful protest and counter-protest are crucial elements in a functioning democracy," said Heather. "New Zealand's strength is that we protect everyone's right to express their views, even when those views make others uncomfortable. That includes Brian Tamaki's right to disagree with immigration policy or criticise other religions. 

"But physically interfering with parades, speeches, or communities exercising their rights to freedom of expression and association crosses a line. When 50 people form a barrier to stop a Nagar Kirtan procession, that's not counter-protest – it's obstruction that limits others' legal expression. 

"The test is simple: can both groups exercise their rights at the same time? A Sikh community walking in lawful parade doesn't prevent Destiny Church from stating its views. But physically blocking that parade does prevent Sikhs from exercising theirs. 

“Free Speech and our culture of tolerance have made New Zealand a haven for many persecuted groups over the years. Attempts to drive any group out of public life are antidemocratic and cruel, and we call on all New Zealanders to use their voices to condemn such tactics, regardless of who is applying them.  

"In this instance, it appears that the police did exactly what they should – kept the peace, ensured both groups could exercise their rights safely, and prevented escalation. This is what good public order policing looks like. 

"This isn't a problem that needs new laws or speech restrictions. What really matters is the culture. Intimidating people for holding beliefs you dislike doesn’t strengthen a free society - it corrodes it.  

"We encourage community leaders, faith groups, and ordinary New Zealanders to respond clearly when they see this kind of targeting. To demonstrate that Kiwis’ value a culture of freedom, and we will defend the right of people to peacefully protest, worship, or celebrate their beliefs without threat or intimidation. That responsibility doesn’t belong to politicians or courts. It belongs to us.”   

ENDS