Conspiracy Theories
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.
Conspiracy Theories
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.
Conspiracy Theories
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.
All Facts
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
Conspiracy Theories
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.
Conspiracy Theories
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.
FACT Aotearoa in the Media
Large sums of money traded hands during and leading up to the 23-day occupation, but it is unclear how it has been spent and who has benefitted. RNZ's Tim Brown talked to FACT Aotearoa about how the protest was funded.
Conspiracy Theories
WATCH: John Campbell interviewed FACT spokesperson Stephen Judd about the aftermath of the Wellington riot and the repercussions of misinformation.
Conspiracy Theories
FACT Aotearoa spoke with Alison Mau for "Battle of the portaloo and other reckons" in the aftermath of the Wellington Parliament occupation. Evidence of how, what, and why this happened, litter the internet.
Conspiracy Theories
LISTEN: FACT Aotearoa challenges Melanie Reid's uncritical coverage of anti-vaccination conspiracy group Voices For Freedom on RNZ's Media Watch.
Conspiracy Theories
Madeline Chapman Lays out exactly what FACT Aotearoa was thinking when we contacted Newsroom about Melanie Reid's uncritical coverage of Voice for Freedom.
Conspiracy Theories
LISTEN: It was quite a departure from his community-building film style to creating a video about hate for Lee Gingold. He spoke to Maggie on Radio Active 88.6FM.