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Don Brash speaks at Massey University after controversy
Former National Party leader Don Brash has spoken at Massey University today, after his first planned appearance was cancelled.
Dr Brash was to speak in August but his talk was called off by the university's Vice-Chancellor Jan Thomas.
Since then, she and the university have been accused of not protecting freedom of speech.
She cited security concerns but it was later revealed she did not want the university to be seen as endorsing racist behaviour.
She then said she never intended to stifle free speech.
The organisers of this event, members of the university's politics society, said they decided to invite him back since he was not banned from the campus.
They were not aware of any planned protests.
About 90 people gathered at the Palmerston North campus to hear Dr Brash speak.
Dr Brash addressed the issue of free speech at the end of his talk, which covered his early life and career.
He said it was imperative that free speech ws supported in New Zealand.
In answer to a question from a member of the audience, Dr Brash denied he was a racist.
Despite Massey cancelling the first event, Dr Brash was able to hold a debate event at Auckland University, where he argued that PC culture had gone too far, to the point where it was limiting freedom of speech.
He was nearly booed off stage by protesters, however, counter-protesters in the crowd persuaded him back by chanting his name.
Massey University has ordered an independent review into the cancellation of the first event, which will be carried out by former Deputy State Services Commissioner Doug Martin.
The report is due to be out in November, and the findings will be made public.
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