HarperCollins and Byron Clark apologise over conservative leader’s inclusion in ‘Alt Right’ chapter
September 16, 2026
Summarised by Centrist
HarperCollins and author Byron Clark have publicly apologised to Conservative Party leader Helen Houghton after she challenged her inclusion in a chapter about women and the Alt Right.
The chapter appeared in Clark’s 2023 book, Fear: New Zealand’s hostile underworld of extremists. Houghton argued that placing her name in that context could lead readers to believe she shared or associated with extremist views.
A version of the chapter was also published by The Spinoff in February 2023.
A settlement statement said HarperCollins and Clark had never intended to defame Houghton and apologised for the “hurt and distress caused”. It described her as a supporter of free speech, Christian and conservative values, and leader of the Conservative Party.
Houghton called the outcome a victory for people who believe conservative, Christian or traditional views should not automatically attract an extremist label.
“When someone’s name is placed in a chapter about the ‘Alt Right’ and extremists, readers can reasonably draw conclusions about that person’s beliefs and associations,” she said.
Clark has frequently appeared in New Zealand media as a researcher and commentator on far-right politics and conspiracy movements, including through RNZ and The Spinoff.
The published statement does not say the original material was false, disclose whether Houghton received a payment or confirm whether the book will be amended.
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