NZSIS report highlights rising threat from foreign interference

The New Zealand Security Intelligence Service (NZSIS) has issued its annual Security Threat Environment report, which includes updated evaluations on foreign interference, espionage, and violent extremism within the country. The release, marking the second annual publication of the report, features an increased number of case studies to delineate the current threats noted by the NZSIS.

Andrew Hampton, Director-General of Security, stated that the unclassified report aims to increase awareness about national security threats without inciting unnecessary fear. "Our independent assessment is about being as upfront as we can about the reality of national security threats facing our country. The point is not to alarm anyone but to alert New Zealanders to the threats so that we can work together to manage them," said Hampton.

There has been a noticeable rise in public discourse on foreign interference and violent extremism, underscoring the importance of the annual assessment. "We aim to provide an upfront and factual basis to this ongoing national conversation," Hampton added. The report places emphasis on identifying common behaviours and activities linked to foreign interference, espionage, and violent extremism in New Zealand.

Included in the report are numerous real-world case studies from recent NZSIS investigations. This analysis aims to reveal the breadth of national security threats identified by the agency. The report recommends links to protective security advice to assist individuals and organisations in enhancing their resilience against these threats, as well as advice on how to respond to any concerning behaviours or activities.

Hampton highlighted the importance of understanding the motivations behind these activities for better risk management. "When we all understand what’s happening and some of the motivations that lie behind these activities, everyone can be better prepared to manage the risks, whether you are a member of a community, business owner or an elected official," he said. He further noted, "This report contains insights anyone can use. It can support sound decision-making or even help someone ask the right questions such as what might this threat look like in our community or what does this mean for our business or organisation?"

Key points from the NZSIS's assessment for 2024 include New Zealand's unique geopolitical position in the Pacific, which could render it susceptible to the activities of other states vying for influence in the region. The report also highlights that a small number of foreign states conduct interference and espionage operations against New Zealand and its citizens, aiming to disrupt New Zealanders' rights, including their right to freedom of expression.

The report warns of the potential national security risks emanating from individuals in positions of trust within public or private organisations. Possible threats include acts of espionage, unauthorised information disclosure, loss or degradation of resources or capabilities, or, in extreme situations, acts of terrorism. The most plausible terrorist attack scenario identified in the report is a lone actor with minimal intelligence forewarning. Additionally, the report notes that a small number of individuals adhere to various violent extremist ideologies, and there is an increasing number of people supporting violence from mixed, unstable, or unclear ideological perspectives.

The NZSIS's annual Security Threat Environment report provides an essential resource for understanding and managing the array of national security threats facing New Zealand.