Controversial speakers Lauren Southern (pictured) and Stefan Molyneux were due to talk at the Bruce Mason Centre on Auckland's North Shore next month. Photo / Supplied

Lauren Southern and Stefan Molyneux cancel NZ trip

Author: NZ Herald,
Publish Date: Wed, 25 Jul 2018, 2:06PM

UPDATE: The pair have confirmed they are coming to New Zealand

Right-wing speakers Lauren Southern and Stefan Molyneux, from Canada, who planned on visiting Auckland next week, have reportedly cancelled their trip.

The Free Speech Coalition said time has run out on an urgent court hearing planned for next week, challenging their ban from speaking at Auckland Council venues.

The court hearing for the matter will now take place later in the year.

Legal action by the Free Speech Coalition and Axiomatic has been withdrawn by them. They have backed down from seeking urgent relief.
— Phil Goff (@phil_goff) July 25, 2018

The coalition was formed after a council agency decided to cancel the pair's booking at Takapuna's Bruce Mason Centre after concerns were raised on security and safety grounds.

The group raised around $90,000 to challenge the cancellation and the role they believed Auckland mayor Phil Goff played.