About this Toolkit

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.

Normal diplomatic activity, lobbying and other genuine, overt efforts to gain influence are not considered foreign interference. Learn more here: Foreign interference in New Zealand.

About this Toolkit

Community organisations play a vital role in supporting communities and driving positive change. Because of their important work and connections, community organisations in New Zealand can be targeted by foreign states conducting foreign interference.

This toolkit is designed for everyone in your community organisation—from leaders and board members to staff and volunteers. It offers practical tips and checklists to help you recognise risks and safeguard your organisation.

Everyone has a role to play in keeping New Zealand safe from foreign interference.

The toolkit is divided into two sections which include practical tools and checklists:

For leaders: focusing on their key responsibilities in guiding and protecting the organisation.

For all team members: to be mindful of any risks that could be linked to foreign interference.

Being informed, not alarmed

Foreign interference can take many forms and isn’t always easy to spot. See: Examples of foreign interference

Being aware and able to recognise potential foreign interference risks helps protect your organisation by identifying genuine threats.

NZSIS has released their latest New Zealand Security Threat Environment assessment. It includes advice to increase resilience to the threat of foreign interference. See: New Zealand Security Threat Environment

Other Languages

Explore information in other languages.