New Zealand’s intelligence agencies warned of “increasingly aggressive” foreign interference in the country’s affairs. The statement, which was issued by the Security Intelligence Service (SIS) and the Government Communications Security Bureau (GCSB), did not name any specific countries or organizations, but warned of a range of threats to New Zealand’s security and sovereignty.
According to the statement, the intelligence agencies have identified several “sophisticated and persistent” attempts to interfere in New Zealand’s democracy, economy, and society. These attempts include cyber-attacks, disinformation campaigns, and efforts to influence political decision-making. The statement also noted that some foreign actors were attempting to covertly cultivate relationships with key individuals and institutions in New Zealand.
The intelligence agencies warned that these attempts were likely to increase in the lead-up to New Zealand’s general election, which is scheduled for later this year. They urged political parties, candidates, and the public to be vigilant against foreign interference and to report any suspicious activity to the authorities.
The warning from New Zealand’s intelligence agencies comes amid growing concerns about foreign interference in democracies around the world. Countries such as the United States, Australia, and the United Kingdom have all reported instances of foreign interference in their political systems in recent years, often linked to state-sponsored actors such as Russia and China.
New Zealand has historically been viewed as a relatively stable and secure country, with low levels of political corruption and a strong tradition of democratic governance. However, the intelligence agencies’ warning suggests that this reputation may be under threat from foreign actors seeking to exploit vulnerabilities in New Zealand’s political and economic systems.
In response to the warning, New Zealand’s Prime Minister, Jacinda Ardern, said that the government took the threat of foreign interference “very seriously” and would work to strengthen the country’s defenses against it. She called on all New Zealanders to be vigilant against attempts to undermine the country’s democracy and sovereignty.
Overall, the warning from New Zealand’s intelligence agencies underscores the need for continued vigilance and cooperation among democracies around the world to counter the growing threat of foreign interference in political systems.
