ABOUT PILLAR
PILLAR stands for Protecting Individual Life, Liberty, And Rights
PILLAR is a civil liberties advocacy group that exists to ensure that every New Zealander can stand free. We defend the pillars of democracy—freedom of speech, conscience, thought, inquiry, religion, assembly, and the right to privacy—through courtroom action, legislative reform, public campaigns, and community mobilisation.
Our approach is strategic and unified. Stand: we fight in courts, tribunals, and councils to protect individual rights. Shift: we challenge bad laws and drive bold cultural and political campaigns. Speak: we influence the national conversation and reshape culture. Strengthen: we equip citizens and leaders to stand with courage and clarity for freedom.
We measure success by impact: legal victories that set precedents, campaigns that shift culture, citizens mobilised, and institutions held accountable.
We are leading a movement rooted in principle, powered by courage, and equipped for the long fight.
Want to know more or be a part of the fight for freedom?
FAQs
What is PILLAR?
1
A New Zealand civil liberties group. The name is Protecting Individual Life, Liberty and Rights. We work through the courts, Parliament, campaigns, and public argument.
What is PILLAR’s Foreign Influence Transparency Bill?
2
A members’ bill that would make political influence work done for a foreign principal a public declaration, with exemptions for legitimate activity.
What is PILLAR’s Digital Bill of Rights?
3
A members’ bill that says the rights New Zealanders have offline must still apply online. Digital ID, age checks, and online regulators are the live test.
What is PILLAR’s position on the under-16 social media ban?
4
Protect children. Do not build a system that has to identify everyone. Parents and education, not a digital checkpoint. The 24 August site piece calls the ban a fool’s errand.
Meet the Team
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![Nathan Seiuli, Executive Director
PILLAR | Protecting Individual Life, Liberty, and Rights
www.nzpillar.com | @ pillar_nz]()
Nathan Seiuli
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
Nathan is a husband and father of three boys, and a principled advocate for individual liberty. He is an experienced public leader with strengths in strategic campaigning, high-level communication, and organisational leadership, focused on building PILLAR into a durable institution that defends fundamental freedoms and delivers lasting public impact. Nathan previously led a nationwide young adult movement and has completed biblical theology studies through Laidlaw College, shaping a leadership approach grounded in conviction, clarity, and service.
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![Nick Hanne, Education & Partnerships Manager
PILLAR | Protecting Individual Life, Liberty, and Rights
www.nzpillar.com | @ pillar_nz]()
Nick Hanne
PARTNERSHIPS AND EDUCATION MANAGER
Nick’s passion for civil liberties and democracy runs deep. He holds an MA in Politics, with research focused on the principles that shape healthy democratic societies, and spent six years teaching critical thinking to senior secondary students at one of New Zealand’s leading schools. Nick’s commitment to liberal democracy is grounded in his Christian faith, and he is also a proud husband and father.
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![Arian Tahsakkori, Head of Operations & Donor Relationships
PILLAR | Protecting Individual Life, Liberty, and Rights
www.nzpillar.com | @ pillar_nz]()
Arian Tashakkori
HEAD OF OPERATIONS AND DONOR RELATIONS
Born in Iran and shaped by firsthand experience of illiberal government, Arian is driven by a commitment to freedom. He holds a Bachelor’s degree in Economics and International Relations and is completing a Master’s in Ethics. His background spans think tanks, general election campaigns, and advocacy organisations. Arian aims to apply his skills in support of life and liberty with PILLAR.
