Julian Batchelor
Julian Batchelor is a controversial figure in New Zealand, known for his outspoken views against co-governance and his distribution of pamphlets that have been criticized for their inflammatory content. Recently, he has gained media attention due to a defamation case against TVNZ, where he claims their reporting on his pamphlet unfairly labeled him as a racist. Batchelor is seeking damages and an apology, asserting that he is misrepresented and that his views, while provocative, are not rooted in hate.
Not in the pool (under ¢1).
Recent news mentions
Julian Batchelor is an anti-co-governance campaigner who brought a defamation claim against TVNZ.
Media Insider: RNZ shake-up: New board chair, directors revealed; Who’s in line to be CEO?; PR boss: ‘All the big ad agencies are morphing into PR stunt agencies’
New Zealand· 2026-05-29
Julian Batchelor, who owns land in the area, posted a video showing trampers struggling in water on the new track route.
Northland’s Cape Brett track change sparks drowning concernsNew Zealand· 2026-01-18
Julian Batchelor is suing TVNZ and Dr Sanjana Hattotuwa for defamation.
Media Insider: John Campbell’s new Morning Report role - RNZ’s robust board discussions; Girls Uninterrupted podcast ends; Sky TV sport content facelift; Westpac agency movesNew Zealand· 2025-12-18
Batchelor is suing TVNZ and Hattotuwa for a 1 News website article in August 2023, focused on a ‘stop co-governance’ pamphlet distributed by Batchelor.
Media Insider: Julian Batchelor v TVNZ defamation case - Jim Grenon funding and website story in spotlightNew Zealand· 2025-12-18
Batchelor is suing TVNZ and Dr. Sanjana Hattotuwa for defamation following a story about his anti-co-governance pamphlet.
Media Insider: Julian Batchelor v TVNZ defamation hearing - TVNZ news boss reveals outside-court conversation with Peter WilliamsNew Zealand· 2025-12-17
Julian Batchelor is involved in a defamation case against TVNZ regarding his anti-co-governance pamphlet.
Media Insider: Julian Batchelor v TVNZ defamation case – former TVNZ presenter Peter Williams takes stand in support of Jim Grenon-funded Batchelor claimNew Zealand· 2025-12-16
