Court Cases and Better Bills

Before we get into updates, can you believe it’s been nine months since we launched PILLAR?

As Arian joked yesterday morning, “That’s a whole baby.”

It’s been an incredible nine months. We’ve hit the ground running, and many of you have followed the journey from day one. You’ve seen what we’ve achieved so far, but what about what’s next?

We’ve got two major updates to share. One legal. Two legislative. 

1. We’re heading to court

Next month we’ll be in court for @AucklandCitizen’s hearing.

The wheels of justice turn slowly, but since taking on this case in December we’ve been steadily and confidently moving towards this moment. A win here would set an important precedent for future cases involving individuals who are unfairly arrested or charged for peacefully attending and filming public protests.

This case is about more than one person. It’s about protecting the rights of all New Zealanders.

2. The FIT Bill is gaining momentum

We’re seeing exciting movement on our FIT Bill.

Multiple MPs have expressed interest in adopting and lodging the bill as a Member’s Bill. If that happens, and the bill successfully progresses through the legislative process, PILLAR will have helped shape New Zealand law in a way that strengthens our national sovereignty, security, and democratic resilience.

That’s exactly why we started this organisation: not just to comment on problems, but to help deliver solutions.

3. A Digital Freedoms Bill is on the way

And now for some breaking news.

We’re currently drafting a Digital Freedoms Bill.

Many of the freedoms we enjoy in the physical world are the foundation of our arguments against online censorship and control. Yet those same freedoms are often not clearly protected in the digital sphere.

We’ve opposed the online regulation proposals championed by Catherine Wedd, Erica Stanford, and Christopher Luxon. We’ve made submissions, launched petitions, conducted dozens of media interviews, and rallied public opposition.

Now we’re taking the next step.

We’re fighting bad legislation with better legislation.

We’ve already seen interest in a serious alternative approach, and we can’t wait to share more with you in the coming months.

Thank you for standing with us over these past nine months.

The time has flown by, but we’re only getting started. We have ambitious plans between now and our first anniversary, and none of it would be possible without your support.

Thank you for backing PILLAR.

Thank you for standing for freedom alongside us.

Onwards.