Paul Thistoll
@pault.bsky.social
Human Rights Defender / Founder of Rights Aotearoa @rightsaotearoa.bsky.social || he/him || Proud alumnus of London Business School || ❤️Food & Wine || Trans rights are human rights || paul@rightsaotearoa.nz
Pinned
Paul Thistoll
@pault.bsky.social
· Oct 17
There are three main ways you can help my work with Rights Aotearoa:
First, you can tip me coffee money directly at:
Paul Thistoll
03-0547-0039160-001
(I can't tell you how important these little coffee tips are to my emotional morale - they really keep me going!)
First, you can tip me coffee money directly at:
Paul Thistoll
03-0547-0039160-001
(I can't tell you how important these little coffee tips are to my emotional morale - they really keep me going!)
Reposted by Paul Thistoll
Don't play their game on their pitch using their rules, you literally cannot win in any way that is meaningful because they fundamentally do not care about your ideas, thoughts, position or argument. It's all self promotional right wing glysophate towards free speech.
February 11, 2026 at 4:00 AM
Don't play their game on their pitch using their rules, you literally cannot win in any way that is meaningful because they fundamentally do not care about your ideas, thoughts, position or argument. It's all self promotional right wing glysophate towards free speech.
Yep, that’s what Mohan just did!
February 11, 2026 at 3:57 AM
Yep, that’s what Mohan just did!
I counselled Mohan on this - glad to see he has firmly declined this invitation.
Also, his question stands to the FSU advisory group
"When platforming Steven Pinker, did the FSU consider his role in the Epstein ecosystem?"
Also, his question stands to the FSU advisory group
"When platforming Steven Pinker, did the FSU consider his role in the Epstein ecosystem?"
Declining this FSU podcast invitation. FSU’s track record, and the Ani O’Brien post shared with it, don’t signal good‑faith dialogue. One question: when platforming Steven Pinker, did FSU consider his role in the Epstein ecosystem?
February 11, 2026 at 3:39 AM
I counselled Mohan on this - glad to see he has firmly declined this invitation.
Also, his question stands to the FSU advisory group
"When platforming Steven Pinker, did the FSU consider his role in the Epstein ecosystem?"
Also, his question stands to the FSU advisory group
"When platforming Steven Pinker, did the FSU consider his role in the Epstein ecosystem?"
February 11, 2026 at 3:18 AM
Reposted by Paul Thistoll
Well which is is, you dishonest fucks?
February 11, 2026 at 2:57 AM
Well which is is, you dishonest fucks?
Reposted by Paul Thistoll
FSU have refused to address what my harasser said, and refused to address me asking why they published the name of a victim of a crime (me) in their newsletter and on their website.
Yet they also say “Why not put your questions and concerns directly to us in a respectful, good faith discussion?”
Yet they also say “Why not put your questions and concerns directly to us in a respectful, good faith discussion?”
February 11, 2026 at 2:54 AM
FSU have refused to address what my harasser said, and refused to address me asking why they published the name of a victim of a crime (me) in their newsletter and on their website.
Yet they also say “Why not put your questions and concerns directly to us in a respectful, good faith discussion?”
Yet they also say “Why not put your questions and concerns directly to us in a respectful, good faith discussion?”
Reposted by Paul Thistoll
It is with the deepest, most resigned sense of irony that I inform you that one of their council members is currently up in arms about being called a pedophile.
Folks, I could not make this up if I tried. They are a very unserious organisation and they deserve nothing but scorn and ridicule.
Folks, I could not make this up if I tried. They are a very unserious organisation and they deserve nothing but scorn and ridicule.
February 11, 2026 at 2:50 AM
It is with the deepest, most resigned sense of irony that I inform you that one of their council members is currently up in arms about being called a pedophile.
Folks, I could not make this up if I tried. They are a very unserious organisation and they deserve nothing but scorn and ridicule.
Folks, I could not make this up if I tried. They are a very unserious organisation and they deserve nothing but scorn and ridicule.
Reposted by Paul Thistoll
So as I’m sure many of you know, the NZ Free Speech Union is a dingy little organisation filled with weirdos and bigots.
However you probably aren’t aware that they openly defended the woman who criminally harassed me by calling me a pedophile, a child groomer, and who threatened to assault me.
However you probably aren’t aware that they openly defended the woman who criminally harassed me by calling me a pedophile, a child groomer, and who threatened to assault me.
February 11, 2026 at 2:46 AM
So as I’m sure many of you know, the NZ Free Speech Union is a dingy little organisation filled with weirdos and bigots.
However you probably aren’t aware that they openly defended the woman who criminally harassed me by calling me a pedophile, a child groomer, and who threatened to assault me.
However you probably aren’t aware that they openly defended the woman who criminally harassed me by calling me a pedophile, a child groomer, and who threatened to assault me.
Reposted by Paul Thistoll
Rights Aotearoa just wrote to the head of the Nursing Council offering an alternative perspective to that which she received in correspondence from the ACT MP Todd Stephenson yesterday regarding the Nurse's Draft Code of Conduct.
www.rightsaotearoa.nz/letter-to-th...
www.rightsaotearoa.nz/letter-to-th...
Letter to the Nursing Council re Todd Stephenson's letter concerning the Nurse's Draft Code of Conduct 2026
I write regarding recent correspondence you have received from ACT MP Todd Stephenson concerning the Nursing Council's Draft Code of Conduct 2026.
www.rightsaotearoa.nz
February 10, 2026 at 10:58 PM
Rights Aotearoa just wrote to the head of the Nursing Council offering an alternative perspective to that which she received in correspondence from the ACT MP Todd Stephenson yesterday regarding the Nurse's Draft Code of Conduct.
www.rightsaotearoa.nz/letter-to-th...
www.rightsaotearoa.nz/letter-to-th...
Reposted by Paul Thistoll
There are three main ways you can help my work with Rights Aotearoa:
First, you can tip me coffee money directly at:
Paul Thistoll
03-0547-0039160-001
(I can't tell you how important these little coffee tips are to my emotional morale - they really keep me going!)
First, you can tip me coffee money directly at:
Paul Thistoll
03-0547-0039160-001
(I can't tell you how important these little coffee tips are to my emotional morale - they really keep me going!)
October 17, 2025 at 9:35 PM
There are three main ways you can help my work with Rights Aotearoa:
First, you can tip me coffee money directly at:
Paul Thistoll
03-0547-0039160-001
(I can't tell you how important these little coffee tips are to my emotional morale - they really keep me going!)
First, you can tip me coffee money directly at:
Paul Thistoll
03-0547-0039160-001
(I can't tell you how important these little coffee tips are to my emotional morale - they really keep me going!)
The High Court decision stands!
Paul Goldsmith tells me today he has decided not to appeal this decision.
"I didn't see the point of dragging it out for more months and more expense."
"I didn't see the point of dragging it out for more months and more expense."
NEW: The High Court has ruled that Paul Goldsmith's appointment of Dr. Stephen Rainbow as Human Rights Commissioner was unlawful
www.thepost.co.nz/politics/360...
www.thepost.co.nz/politics/360...
February 9, 2026 at 10:26 PM
The High Court decision stands!
Reposted by Paul Thistoll
The takeaway here is the declaration that Goldsmith ran a shoddy process that was inconsistent with some mandatory statutory criteria in the appointment of two high ranking tribunal members stands. And we're entitled to take that into account when assessing how Goldsmith does his job.
February 9, 2026 at 10:25 PM
The takeaway here is the declaration that Goldsmith ran a shoddy process that was inconsistent with some mandatory statutory criteria in the appointment of two high ranking tribunal members stands. And we're entitled to take that into account when assessing how Goldsmith does his job.
Reposted by Paul Thistoll
Also the choice of @pault.bsky.social and his legal team to seek only a declaration that the HRC appointments had not followed the law rather than the removal of the two commissioners from office means the Crown's back wasn't against the wall. Sensible litigation strategy all round imo.
February 9, 2026 at 10:23 PM
Also the choice of @pault.bsky.social and his legal team to seek only a declaration that the HRC appointments had not followed the law rather than the removal of the two commissioners from office means the Crown's back wasn't against the wall. Sensible litigation strategy all round imo.
Reposted by Paul Thistoll
Sensible decision from the Crown, I think.
Had a decent chance of winning on appeal (the judge in the High Court clearly signaled things had only just got over the line), but an unhelpful precedent for government is MUCH more of an issue when it comes from the Court of Appeal than the High Court.
Had a decent chance of winning on appeal (the judge in the High Court clearly signaled things had only just got over the line), but an unhelpful precedent for government is MUCH more of an issue when it comes from the Court of Appeal than the High Court.
Paul Goldsmith tells me today he has decided not to appeal this decision.
"I didn't see the point of dragging it out for more months and more expense."
"I didn't see the point of dragging it out for more months and more expense."
NEW: The High Court has ruled that Paul Goldsmith's appointment of Dr. Stephen Rainbow as Human Rights Commissioner was unlawful
www.thepost.co.nz/politics/360...
www.thepost.co.nz/politics/360...
February 9, 2026 at 10:22 PM
Sensible decision from the Crown, I think.
Had a decent chance of winning on appeal (the judge in the High Court clearly signaled things had only just got over the line), but an unhelpful precedent for government is MUCH more of an issue when it comes from the Court of Appeal than the High Court.
Had a decent chance of winning on appeal (the judge in the High Court clearly signaled things had only just got over the line), but an unhelpful precedent for government is MUCH more of an issue when it comes from the Court of Appeal than the High Court.
I am having exec coaching sessions (pro bono from a leading Wellington-based coach) and they are really excellent for goal setting and staying on track.
Thoroughly recommend it to anyone who is trying to do something big.
2026 will be another big year for Rights Aotearoa.
Thoroughly recommend it to anyone who is trying to do something big.
2026 will be another big year for Rights Aotearoa.
February 9, 2026 at 9:54 PM
I am having exec coaching sessions (pro bono from a leading Wellington-based coach) and they are really excellent for goal setting and staying on track.
Thoroughly recommend it to anyone who is trying to do something big.
2026 will be another big year for Rights Aotearoa.
Thoroughly recommend it to anyone who is trying to do something big.
2026 will be another big year for Rights Aotearoa.
Technically, any notice of appeal of the judgment in Thistoll v Goldsmith must be filed today, according to the Appeal Court (given closure 25 Dec to Jan 15, Waitangi Day and Wlg Anniversary Day).
I haven't been served with anything yet - a promising sign.
I haven't been served with anything yet - a promising sign.
February 8, 2026 at 11:08 PM
Technically, any notice of appeal of the judgment in Thistoll v Goldsmith must be filed today, according to the Appeal Court (given closure 25 Dec to Jan 15, Waitangi Day and Wlg Anniversary Day).
I haven't been served with anything yet - a promising sign.
I haven't been served with anything yet - a promising sign.
Reposted by Paul Thistoll
The cartoon that appeared this week on the front page of France’s most influential national newspaper, Le Monde
Brilliant work by the cartoonist, Guffo.
Brilliant work by the cartoonist, Guffo.
February 6, 2026 at 10:43 PM
The cartoon that appeared this week on the front page of France’s most influential national newspaper, Le Monde
Brilliant work by the cartoonist, Guffo.
Brilliant work by the cartoonist, Guffo.
Reposted by Paul Thistoll
This is a significant issue for democracy and trust in news media (already dismal, as we know). I'm so glad that Meta is taking action against this automated AI slop on their platforms by doing... *checks notes* nothing. #nzpol
www.rnz.co.nz/news/nationa...
www.rnz.co.nz/news/nationa...
How fake NZ news pages are swamping Facebook with AI slop
Analysis - "Fake NZ news" pages are bombarding social media with misleading slop, including using AI to animate photos of a teenage landslide victim.
www.rnz.co.nz
February 8, 2026 at 10:26 PM
This is a significant issue for democracy and trust in news media (already dismal, as we know). I'm so glad that Meta is taking action against this automated AI slop on their platforms by doing... *checks notes* nothing. #nzpol
www.rnz.co.nz/news/nationa...
www.rnz.co.nz/news/nationa...
Pink Chardonnay has been approved as the 8th permissible grape variety in Champagne, joining:
- Chardonnay
- Pinot Noir
- Meunier
- Pinot Blanc
- Pinot Gris
- Petit Meslier
- Arbane
The Comité Champagne has a slow burner approach to innovation :-)
- Chardonnay
- Pinot Noir
- Meunier
- Pinot Blanc
- Pinot Gris
- Petit Meslier
- Arbane
The Comité Champagne has a slow burner approach to innovation :-)
February 6, 2026 at 11:20 PM
Pink Chardonnay has been approved as the 8th permissible grape variety in Champagne, joining:
- Chardonnay
- Pinot Noir
- Meunier
- Pinot Blanc
- Pinot Gris
- Petit Meslier
- Arbane
The Comité Champagne has a slow burner approach to innovation :-)
- Chardonnay
- Pinot Noir
- Meunier
- Pinot Blanc
- Pinot Gris
- Petit Meslier
- Arbane
The Comité Champagne has a slow burner approach to innovation :-)
Reposted by Paul Thistoll
The economy is not going to recover in time to give Luxon an election boost.
This means Winston, Luxon, and Seymour will try to stir up culture wars to distract us.
Don't get sucked in - just hammer home the lousy economic performance, the incredibly high cost of living, and the general despair.
This means Winston, Luxon, and Seymour will try to stir up culture wars to distract us.
Don't get sucked in - just hammer home the lousy economic performance, the incredibly high cost of living, and the general despair.
October 7, 2025 at 4:01 AM
The economy is not going to recover in time to give Luxon an election boost.
This means Winston, Luxon, and Seymour will try to stir up culture wars to distract us.
Don't get sucked in - just hammer home the lousy economic performance, the incredibly high cost of living, and the general despair.
This means Winston, Luxon, and Seymour will try to stir up culture wars to distract us.
Don't get sucked in - just hammer home the lousy economic performance, the incredibly high cost of living, and the general despair.
Reposted by Paul Thistoll
Think this is right. The NZCA's comments practically give doctors the certainty they need to keep prescribing medicine to their trans patients in accordance with their professional judgement. Excellent!
My view that the NZCA decision gets there in an odd way isn't an issue on that front at all.
My view that the NZCA decision gets there in an odd way isn't an issue on that front at all.
Today, the Court of Appeal has given clarity and confidence to medical professionals in Aotearoa to continue prescribing GnRH agonists/reversible pubertal suppression. You can read PATHA’s statement at patha.nz/news
February 5, 2026 at 3:23 AM
Think this is right. The NZCA's comments practically give doctors the certainty they need to keep prescribing medicine to their trans patients in accordance with their professional judgement. Excellent!
My view that the NZCA decision gets there in an odd way isn't an issue on that front at all.
My view that the NZCA decision gets there in an odd way isn't an issue on that front at all.
Reposted by Paul Thistoll
If you’d like to read the full judgment, it’s available here: www.courtsofnz.govt.nz/assets/cases...
February 5, 2026 at 2:57 AM
If you’d like to read the full judgment, it’s available here: www.courtsofnz.govt.nz/assets/cases...
I don't know how to say this without using somewhat ableist language, but I will try.
Stephen Franks is utterly unhinged, man. Utterly unhinged.
Unfortunately, I am not legally at liberty to say what has prompted my outburst. But rest assured, the day will come when all will be revealed.
Stephen Franks is utterly unhinged, man. Utterly unhinged.
Unfortunately, I am not legally at liberty to say what has prompted my outburst. But rest assured, the day will come when all will be revealed.
February 4, 2026 at 8:28 PM
I don't know how to say this without using somewhat ableist language, but I will try.
Stephen Franks is utterly unhinged, man. Utterly unhinged.
Unfortunately, I am not legally at liberty to say what has prompted my outburst. But rest assured, the day will come when all will be revealed.
Stephen Franks is utterly unhinged, man. Utterly unhinged.
Unfortunately, I am not legally at liberty to say what has prompted my outburst. But rest assured, the day will come when all will be revealed.
There is a body of research that suggests business confidence surveys are highly correlated with the ease of hiring. Thus, in times of high unemployment, business confidence is higher because hiring is easier.
February 3, 2026 at 11:59 PM
There is a body of research that suggests business confidence surveys are highly correlated with the ease of hiring. Thus, in times of high unemployment, business confidence is higher because hiring is easier.
Reposted by Paul Thistoll
Unemployment rate is higher. Bread price is up 60%. Climate crisis continues unabated. Healthcare a mess. But yeah hating anything Māori is celebrated. It’s so great for life 🙄🙄
February 3, 2026 at 10:00 PM
Unemployment rate is higher. Bread price is up 60%. Climate crisis continues unabated. Healthcare a mess. But yeah hating anything Māori is celebrated. It’s so great for life 🙄🙄