A Discussion Panel: Information, Disinformation, Freedom of Speech & Censorship
With the rise of social media and the internet, a wealth of information is available at our fingertips. However, this abundance of information has also led to the proliferation of disinformation and fake news. The topic has become increasingly complex. It is essential to build our critical thinking capability and identify effective strategies for addressing the challenges of disinformation in ways that lead to more informed, engaged, and wholesome communities.
The primary concern for our community has been the level of polarisation that has taken place. Polarisation can make it challenging as a community to unite around a kaupapa such as ours—to inspire and empower new and regenerative ways of living.
Earth Beat is a perfect container for these discussions—a gathering guided by whanaungatanga, wairua and aroha, where self-awareness of our emotions and thoughts is encouraged, and a field of love is strong. Discussing these topics can promote a more nuanced understanding of these issues and encourage dialogue across different perspectives. Panel discussions can highlight the importance of engaging with those with different views and seeking common ground, points of convergence, reconciliation, and connection, ultimately bringing us closer together—building our community’s capacity for courageous conversation to ensure that disagreements do not result in polarisation.
Panellists
Juliet Moses
Juliet is a partner at a boutique law firm based in Auckland and an author and commentator who has had articles appear in Spectator, North & South, the Spinoff, Newsroom, NZ Herald and Stuff, among others. As the spokesperson for the New Zealand Jewish Council, the representative body of the Jewish community, she regularly appears in the media, talking about antisemitism and other matters relevant to the Jewish community, including freedom of speech. Kate Hannah
Kate Hannah
Kate Hannah is a cultural historian of science and technology who works within and across cultural history, critical science and technology studies, and public understanding of science and technology. Hannah has extensive experience in research translation, strategic communications, policy development, and community engagement.
Nicky Hager
Nicky Hager is an author and investigative journalist based in Wellington, New Zealand. He has written seven best-selling books. He specialises in investigating hard-to-document subjects, such as the military, intelligence agencies, public relations activities and the unseen sides of politics.
Jonathan Ayling
Jonathan is the Chief Executive of the Free Speech Union and a former Ministerial staffer and parliamentary advisor. He has worked in a number of positions defending human rights, including with Amnesty International and UNICEF NZ, and considers the freedom of expression to be the bedrock of more human rights. He is married with one son and lives in the sunny Wairarapa. The panel will take place at 6pm on Saturday.
