InternetNZ, Free Speech, and the Future of Governance: A Fireside Chat with Stephen Judd

Something big is happening at InternetNZ. A quiet, technical non-profit responsible for the .nz domain and digital policy advocacy has found itself at the center of a heated debate. With an unprecedented surge in membership—many from politically motivated groups—questions are swirling about InternetNZ’s future, its governance, and what this means for the wider internet community in Aotearoa.

In this Fireside Chat, I sat down with Stephen Judd, President of InternetNZ, to discuss the constitutional reform process, the unexpected influx of members, and the challenges of keeping a membership-based organisation focused on its core mission. Stephen was candid about the pressure InternetNZ is under, the safeguards in place, and the role of professional governance in protecting New Zealand’s critical internet infrastructure.

We also tackled some of the bigger questions: How do you maintain transparency while ensuring essential digital infrastructure remains in the hands of those best equipped to manage it? Can a membership-driven organisation navigate ideological divides without becoming a political battleground? And in a rapidly shifting online landscape, what role does InternetNZ play in shaping the future of the internet in Aotearoa?

This is a conversation worth watching, whether you're a technologist, policy maker, or simply someone who cares about the future of free expression, digital governance, and the integrity of New Zealand’s internet. Watch now and join the discussion.