A forum taking place today will tackle online bullying.

Internet New Zealand's " Hate and the Internet" forum was sold out before its panel was even finalised - it can still be followed on the organisation's website .

Chief executive Jordan Carter says it's not so much about online fights as hate speech, which incites violence and hatred and puts social peace at risk.

"These social networks are relatively new and they allow that type of message to propagate to many more more people than someone grumbling down at the pub."

The event will open the floor for a conversation on Internet trolls and hateful comments - from race and religion, to sexual orientation, disability, and gender and our right to freedom of expression.

Carter says in New Zealand there isn't an agreed definition of what online bullying is.

"One of the things we were hoping the panel will get out is that common definition is here."

Carter says the Council of Europe defines it as speech that is aimed at spreading, inciting, promoting or justifying racial hatred, xenophobia and so on.

LISTEN ABOVE AS JORDAN CARTER SPEAKS WITH TIM DOWER