Simon O'Connor: Foreign interference is very real in New Zealand

I recently gave a speech to MPs, academics, journalists, and the general public on foreign interference in New Zealand, sharing some real and personal stories of mine.

This is not my regular Substack. It is a copy of a speech I recently gave to those attending a symposium on foreign interfernce, hosted by the Tasman Alliance and co-sponsored by the Free Speech Union and New Zealand Values Alliance. It was a gathering of academics, Members of Parliament, journalists, ambassadors, influencers, and the general public.

Free to believe

Simon O'Connor: Be prepared

The fraying of the international rules-based order and various conflicts - either happening now or possible in the future - should see New Zealand preparing now. There are no excuses for inaction.

During a recent visit by the US President to Beijing, President Xi of China made it clear that Taiwan must become part of China. Xi has frequently talked of Taiwan as part of China, and that it will eventually be reunited including by military force if necessary.

Nick Hanne: Are we free to talk about foreign interference in NZ?.....

Are we free to talk about foreign interference in NZ? It’s worse than I thought

Both have been subject to surveillance by the CCP, although neither has backed down. We cannot in good conscience let this situation continue. I for one refuse to let it happen in my own backyard.

Simon O'Connor: China blindness

What is it with former Prime Ministers and others when it comes to China?

Many former leaders of New Zealand have made much of New Zealand’s independent foreign policy, our commitment to the international rules based order, and human rights, and yet appear to throw such principles to then wind when it comes to appeasing Communist China.

John MacNabb: China Cancels Christmas in Hong Kong – Leaving Churches Fearing for Their Future

I thought it was just me, but it transpires there are fewer Christmas decorations in Hong Kong this year than in previous years. A colleague confirmed, under orders from China, Hong Kong had been instructed to tone down the outward manifestations of the Christmas festivities this year.

Joanne Nova: For years the CCP has been sending millions to US universities and NGOs to promote Green Energy

If you have the feeling that our universities are working for the enemy, you might be right

China is a developing nation, too poor to cut carbon emissions themselves, but somehow they can find the money to help the richest nation in the world reduce their fossil fuel use.

Dr James Kierstead: ‘Academic freedom is now seriously under threat in New Zealand’

Academic freedom is an essential ingredient in any flourishing university system. It allows ideas to be put forward and debated, and thus underpins high-quality research and teaching.

An aspect of the freedom of expression that is protected in our Bill of Rights, academic freedom is also recognised in the Education Act, where it is defined as the freedom of academics and students ‘to question and test received wisdom, to put forward new ideas, and to state controversial or unpopular opinions.’ New Zealand has a proud legacy of academic freedom, with Karl Popper, in exile from his native Vienna, able to write his The Open Society and its Enemies here during World War II.