PILLAR Welcomes Dismissal of Assault Charge Against Auckland Citizen
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
3 November 2026 | Auckland, New Zealand
Civil liberties organisation PILLAR has welcomed today's decision by the Auckland District Court to dismiss an assault charge against citizen journalist Auckland Citizen, concluding a case the organisation has supported since December 2025.
The charge arose from an altercation at a public protest in Myers Park, Auckland, on 7 December 2025, where Auckland Citizen was filming proceedings before becoming involved in a confrontation.
The judge ruled that Police had failed to prove beyond reasonable doubt that Auckland Citizen was not acting in self-defence or that the force he used was unreasonable.
PILLAR Executive Director Nathan Seiuli welcomed the decision, saying it reinforced the importance of respecting individual freedoms.
"While this was ultimately an assault case rather than one centred on civil liberties, it reinforces an important principle: the rights of individuals must be respected by those who oppose them, by Police and by the judiciary.
"New Zealanders should be free to speak, move and film in public without intimidation or unnecessary interference. Equally, those exercising these freedoms must do so lawfully and responsibly."
Seiuli said filming a publicly advertised political rally was a legitimate activity with clear public interest.
"There is generally a significantly reduced expectation of privacy at an open public rally. You cannot invite the public to participate in a demonstration and reasonably expect your actions to be shielded from public observation.
"Auckland Citizen is a citizen journalist who deliberately stress-tests our freedoms. You may disagree with his methods or opinions, but the philosophy underpinning his work benefits us all.
"Rights aren't reserved for people whose methods we approve of. They belong equally to those we agree with, disagree with or find offensive."
In delivering his decision, the judge described the confrontation as unnecessary and hoped all parties would reflect on their responsibilities and the rights of others.
Seiuli welcomed those remarks.
"Having the right to do something doesn't absolve us of the responsibility to exercise that right appropriately. But disagreeing with someone's actions doesn't give us permission to interfere with their freedoms.
"Tolerance doesn't require agreement, endorsement or even a willingness to listen. You can disagree, refuse to engage or simply walk away. What you cannot do is demand someone surrender their rights because you find their views objectionable."
PILLAR supported Auckland Citizen throughout proceedings, including assisting with his legal defence.
"We want to thank our incredible legal team for their dedication and professionalism, and the judge for his fair assessment of the evidence and principled application of the law.
"This case demonstrates the importance of ensuring individuals can defend themselves through the justice system without being pressured to accept criminal liability."
Seiuli concluded with a challenge to New Zealanders.
"Don't just defend the rights of people you agree with. Be prepared to defend the rights of those you fundamentally disagree with. That's what genuine tolerance looks like."
ENDS
Media enquiries
Nathan Seiuli | nathan@nzpillar.com