Perhaps Voices For Freedom realised that their decision to openly employ, feature and promote people associated with a more radical right-wing agenda than they had previously admitted to was a strategic error. By removing the archive as well as live links, they may be hoping their audience will forget the attempts to radicalise them, and return to the fold.
Conspiracy Theories
Families across the world are being ripped apart by conspiracy theories. Some conspiracy theories are harmless, others can kill. Some are fun, others funnel people towards White Supremacy. They are complex issues. Read about these theories and how you too can spot them in your everyday life.
FACT Aotearoa is calling on Government Ministers including the Deputy Prime Minister who have appeared on Reality Check Radio to boycott the station.
In our follow up to The Leak, Confirmation Bias and Media Ecosystems, FACT Aotearoa look at the rhetorical techniques used in Barry Young's data leak to make it seem like it reveals something it doesn't.
The recent leak and “analysis” of COVID-19 vaccination records is chum in the water for conspiracy theorists. They might not believe all of the data, or the conclusions made, but the story confirms what they believed all along. And they're using it to spread misinformation worldwide.
Room 102 is a commercial space in Christchurch leased by a group that includes former National Front leader Kyle Chapman and former council candidates with links to Voices For Freedom, and others.
During the occupation at parliament and the local body elections, FACT Aotearoa’s small group of volunteers stood with others in an effort to counter extremists. Here we reflect on 2022; a year of grim vindication, but also of hope and progress in countering disinformation.
Aotearoa has its share of conspiracy theorists calling the government illegitimate and believing it needs to be replaced, and some are willing to use threats of violence to get what they want.
FACT thinks the low number of conspiracy theorist candidates elected is a good result for democracy. Our work, and the work of journalists, has exposed many undeclared beliefs. We think that strong reporting and intense scrutiny did make a difference.
Here’s a list of published media stories about candidates with misinformation or conspiracy theory links. We’ve organised them by council so you can quickly find all the stories about your area. It is not an exhaustive list! Share it with your friends.
Apart from reading these stories, we encourage you to attend voter information events and contact candidates directly. Don’t be afraid to ask the hard questions: if they want your vote they should be ready to give a credible answer. Talk about your choice with your friends and most of all, get out and vote.
Recently, Sue Grey has been responsible for spreading misinformation and bringing lawsuits against NZ’s successful vaccine rollouts and mandates. But this isn’t where she began her contentious career.
LISTEN: Has the anti-vaccine movement become a cult? Anke Richter, cult researcher, journalist, and one of the founders of FACT Aotearoa, says it has. She joins Stuff podcast Tell Me About It.
WATCH: John Campbell interviewed FACT spokesperson Stephen Judd about the aftermath of the Wellington riot and the repercussions of misinformation.