The University of Otago may have to wait to see whether it needs to rewrite its free-speech policy to meet the new government requirements.
Tertiary Education Minister Penny Simmonds and Associate Education Minister David Seymour have announced proposed changes to the Education and Training Act that will "set clear expectations on how universities should approach freedom of speech issues".
Each university will adopt a freedom of speech statement consistent with that.
These changes will be introduced into Parliament in March and are expected to be enacted by the end of 2025.
Universities will then have six months to develop and approve their statements.
It comes after the university formally adopted a free-speech policy statement in July.
The statement said free speech was the lifeblood of a university.
"It enables the exploration of ideas, the challenging of assumptions and the uncovering of truth through open exchange.
"It allows students, teachers and researchers to know better the variety of beliefs, theories and opinions in the world. Only through a preparedness to challenge, question and criticise ideas can progress in understanding take place."
It also said the university would "not restrict debate or deliberation simply because the ideas put forth are thought by some to be offensive, unwise, immoral or wrong-headed.
"It is for the members of the university community — its students and staff — to make those judgements for themselves."
The statement also allowed the university a get-out clause in that it said: "The university accepts no duty to provide a space for those who are not members of its community to advance their ideas or theories in ways which fundamentally undermine the university’s character as an institute of higher learning."
A spokeswoman for Otago University said the government’s announcement had been anticipated by universities.
"The University of Otago approved a statement on freedom of speech in July this year and we are hopeful that it will align with the new government legislation.
"We will carefully review the details once they are available."
Mr Seymour said the legislation would require universities to actively promote an environment where ideas can be challenged, controversial issues discussed, and diverse opinions expressed, and ensure that they were not constraining the freedom-of-speech rights of students, staff or invited speakers.
"It will also prohibit universities from adopting positions on issues that do not directly relate to their core role or functions."
Asked about Otago University’s situation, Ms Simmonds said freedom of speech and academic freedom were fundamental to the role of universities.
“While some universities have taken a strong approach to these issues, others are not doing enough to protect the freedom-of-speech rights of staff and students and have taken too risk-averse an approach to invited speakers.
“Otago University has developed a very good freedom of speech policy, so they are already in a strong position to comply with the proposed amendment to the Education and Training Act."
