Irish journalist and author Helen Joyce will visit Christchurch next month as part of a national speaking tour with the Free Speech Union.

The tour coincides with the Law Commission’s recent Ia Tangata report, which recommended changes to the Human Rights Act that could have implications for speech rights in New Zealand, particularly around the topics of sex and gender, The Free Speech Union said.

Supporters describe her as a clear and courageous voice defending reasoned debate and free expression. Critics, however, accuse her of promoting views that marginalise transgender people and fuel discrimination.

Her public appearances in the United Kingdom and abroad have often sparked protests, with some universities and venues facing pressure to cancel her events. Despite this, Joyce continues to advocate for open discussion about sex and gender, saying that freedom of expression must include the right to question powerful ideologies.

Joyce will be in the country from November 1 to 9, and will appear in Christchurch on Friday November 7 and Saturday November 8 for the Free Speech Union’s 2025 Annual General Meeting and conference.

The Free Speech Union said the tour would provide an opportunity for open discussion about freedom, identity, and public policy.

Helen Joyce is an Irish journalist, author, and prominent advocate for free speech known for her work on gender identity and its wider social impact.

She studied mathematics before joining The Economist in 2005, where she worked for 17 years in senior editorial roles including Britain editor, Finance editor, and International editor.

Her 2021 book Trans: When Ideology Meets Reality became a Sunday Times bestseller and was named a Book of the Year by The Times, Spectator, and Observer.

The book examines the growing influence of gender identity ideology and its effect on law, education, medicine, and women’s rights.

In 2022, Joyce left The Economist to become Director of Advocacy at Sex Matters, a UK-based organisation campaigning for sex-based rights.

Her public speaking engagements have attracted both support and protest, reflecting the deeply divided opinions surrounding the issue.

The Free Speech Union said Joyce’s visit comes at a critical time for open debate in New Zealand.

“The Law Commission’s Ia Tangata report raises serious questions about how far new discrimination laws might go in limiting discussion on sex and gender,” a spokesperson said.

Event information, including ticket details, is available on the Free Speech Union’s website at fsu.nz/events.