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.

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

In this information, “foreign state” means any country other than New Zealand. This term is used to refer to countries outside of New Zealand.

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.

Foreign interference harms the rights and freedoms of Ethnic Communities

Foreign interference is when foreign states try to interfere with New Zealand to achieve their own goals. These foreign states want to control and change New Zealand’s society, interests, and behaviours. They do this so they can have more influence and control.

Foreign interference damages New Zealand’s independence, democracy, economy, reputation, and communities. Ethnic Communities in New Zealand can get unwanted attention from foreign states, making them feel unsafe and harming their rights and freedoms. Normal diplomatic activities between countries are not foreign interference.

How can foreign interference happen to Ethnic Communities?

Foreign interference experienced by Ethnic Communities can be hard to see. Here are some examples of foreign interference activities by a foreign state or someone doing foreign interference for them in New Zealand:

trying to control and intimidate communities or community organisations/groups
refusing to process or issue official documents to harass, intimidate and control communities and their actions
taking away or threatening to take away visas, passports, or other official documents of people in New Zealand to harass, intimidate and control communities and their actions
threatening people in New Zealand, or their families who live overseas (including threats and harassment through social media)
forcing people to return to their country of origin against their will
unauthorised surveillance and monitoring of the community by a foreign state to threaten or intimidate people
trying to prevent certain groups or communities from openly sharing their views or opinions that are different from those of the foreign state by using threats or intimidation
trying to stop events from happening in New Zealand to prevent people from expressing their opinions or beliefs that a foreign state disagrees with
passing on threats from a foreign state to the community in New Zealand
trying to change how elections and other democratic processes work

This content is adapted from the 2024 NZSIS report: “New Zealand’s Security Threat Environment”.

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How to report foreign interference

Ethnic Communities in New Zealand don’t have to tolerate foreign interference. Learn how to report concerns using the available options.

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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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Keeping safe online

Learn what steps you can take to stay safe online and protect yourself from potential risks.

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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 NZSIS

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

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