Recognise

How foreign interference can affect communities

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What is foreign interference?

Video transcript

What is foreign interference? The New Zealand Security Intelligence Service (NZSIS) defines foreign interference as an act by a foreign state, often acting through a proxy, which is intended to influence, disrupt or subvert New Zealand’s national interests by deceptive, corruptive or coercive means.

Foreign states may conduct foreign interference in New Zealand as a tool for advancing their interests abroad. When we say, ‘foreign state’ we mean any country other than New Zealand. ‘Proxies’ are individuals or groups, often based within New Zealand, who act on behalf of a foreign state to undertake activities of security concern.

However, normal diplomatic activity, lobbying and other genuine, overt efforts to gain influence are not considered interference.

Foreign interference is now an offence. In November 2025, Parliament passed the Crimes (Countering Foreign Interference) Amendment Act 2025 to strengthen New Zealand’s criminal justice response to foreign interference and espionage.

So why is foreign interference a problem, and how does it impact Ethnic Communities? Foreign interference damages New Zealand’s democracy, communities, independence, economy and reputation. It can harm the rights and freedoms of people and communities across New Zealand including Ethnic Communities. Some Ethnic Communities in New Zealand can get unwanted attention from foreign states, making them feel unsafe and harming their rights and freedoms.

Foreign interference can affect people in different ways. Everyone in New Zealand has the right to feel safe, respected and to express their opinions and beliefs freely. Foreign interference can be subtle and deeply personal. It can affect individuals, communities, and our shared sense of belonging in New Zealand. Foreign interference can be hard to see. It’s not always obvious.

So how do foreign states conducting foreign interference target Ethnic Communities? Foreign states may try to control, pressure, intimidate or harass people or community groups via proxies. Sometimes they threaten to delay or withhold official documents such as visas or passports to pressure or influence individuals. They might threaten people here in New Zealand, or their families overseas, including through online harassment.

In some cases, they may try to force people to return to their country of origin against their will. They could also carry out unauthorised monitoring or surveillance to intimidate communities. Sometimes, they try to silence communities by preventing groups from sharing their views or by disrupting events.

If something doesn’t look or feel right, it’s best to report it to the New Zealand Police or NZSIS. Remember you don’t have to tolerate foreign interference.

Learn more on how to recognise foreign interference, safeguard yourself and your community, and how to respond by checking out our other resources. Together, we can protect what makes New Zealand strong.

Resources

About the Hub

Learn how to navigate the Community Resilience to Foreign Interference Hub and find practical guidance on recognising, safeguarding against, and responding to foreign interference.

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Foreign interference in New Zealand

Foreign interference is when foreign states try to interfere with New Zealand to achieve their own goals. Learn how this can affect Ethnic Communities.

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Your rights in New Zealand

Learn about your rights in New Zealand. This general information supports understanding and is not legal advice.

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The Crimes (Countering Foreign Interference) Amendment Act 2025

Learn about the law changes to protect New Zealand from foreign interference.

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Examples of foreign interference

Explore examples of foreign interference experienced by Ethnic Communities, based on real stories shared with the Ministry for Ethnic Communities.

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Case studies from New Zealand Security Intelligence Service

Read case studies from New Zealand’s Security Threat Environment from the New Zealand Security Intelligence Service.

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Examples of foreign interference impacting community organisations

Learn how foreign interference can impact community organisations and explore examples of these risks in practice.

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Reporting harmful or illegal activities that may be linked to foreign interference

Learn how to report harmful or illegal activities linked to foreign interference that may already be offences in New Zealand.

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Foreign interference and elections

Learn about foreign interference and elections, and what your rights are when voting.

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Disinformation

Learn about disinformation, and how it can be part of foreign interference.

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Online abuse and harassment

Learn about online abuse and harassment, how it can relate to foreign interference, and what to do if you experience it.

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Doxing

Learn about doxing, how it can relate to foreign interference, and what to do if you or someone you know is affected.

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Pressure to return to country of origin

Learn how foreign states may pressure some individuals to return to their country of origin and what support is available.

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Travelling overseas and foreign interference

Learn how foreign interference can affect some people travelling overseas.

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Information on New Zealand Government agencies

Learn about New Zealand government agencies responsible for national security and protecting your rights, and what they do.

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Community experiences and Government responses panel – Ethnic Advantage 2025

Learn from a panel discussing real community experiences and how governments are responding to foreign interference.

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Safeguarding your community organisation against foreign interference (toolkit)

Use this toolkit to help your community organisation recognise foreign interference risks and take practical steps to stay protected.

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Other Languages

Explore information in other languages.