New Zealand warned of worsening security threats by intelligence

The New Zealand Security Intelligence Service (NZSIS) has warned that the country is now facing one of the most challenging national security environments in recent times.

Releasing its third annual *Security Threat Environment* report, the agency outlined growing risks from violent extremism, foreign interference, and espionage.

Director-General of Security Andrew Hampton said the threats needed to be taken more seriously than they currently are.

"Our threat environment is deteriorating and that has a direct impact on our safety and security," he said. "Increasing levels of polarisation and grievance are driving support for violent extremist ideologies and foreign states are more willing to target New Zealand organisations and communities in order to achieve their aims."

Mr Hampton stressed that such threats were "worthy of greater attention" and warned that the NZSIS was "seeing active cases of young and vulnerable people being radicalised online, there are foreign states seeking to interfere with our democratic rights, and there is almost certainly undetected espionage activity targeting valuable intellectual property crucial to our future prosperity."

Key findings of the report

The 2025 report highlighted six main security concerns for New Zealand. According to the NZSIS, the most plausible violent extremist attack remains one carried out by a lone individual radicalised online, using easily accessible weapons such as knives or vehicles.

It found that "grievances and polarising issues in the online information space are almost certainly driving support for a range of violent extremist ideologies," and that young people were particularly vulnerable to such radicalisation.

Foreign interference also remains a pressing issue. "Several states are responsible for ongoing foreign interference activities in New Zealand," the report said. This includes acts described as *transnational repression*, which often target diaspora communities, sometimes through harassment, intimidation, or surveillance.

The NZSIS further assessed that "it is almost certain there is undetected espionage activity that is harming New Zealand's national interests," with critical organisations, infrastructure, and technology all considered prime targets.

Some states have also attempted to exploit insiders within public and private sector organisations through deceptive or coercive means.

A climate of global instability

The report noted that New Zealand's position in the South Pacific did not shield it from global pressures. "The make-up of our society, our economic connectedness, our international relationships and location in an increasingly contested region means New Zealand is impacted by the competition between states for power, influence and strategic advantage," it said.

Internationally, instability is being driven by rising authoritarianism, polarisation across societies, and competition between major powers including the United States, China, and Russia.

The NZSIS also warned that rapid technological developments, particularly in artificial intelligence, were changing the nature of threats. AI was making extremist propaganda appear more authentic and enabling it to spread faster, while also assisting hostile states in intelligence gathering and influence operations.

Public awareness and responsibility

Mr Hampton emphasised that national security could not be left solely to the NZSIS.

"It is a mistake to assume the NZSIS will automatically pick up on concerning activities. We are not all-seeing and all-knowing, and in a democratic society like ours nor should we be. In many cases the public will notice a threat before we do," he said.

He urged New Zealanders to report suspicious behaviour. "If you see any of the activities described, it is important that you let us know through the NZSIS website. But there is a lot more people and organisations could be doing in the prevention space by looking out for early warning signs of violent extremism or by being more risk aware when it comes to foreign interference and espionage."

Mr Hampton said the purpose of the assessment was to encourage frank discussions across government, organisations, and communities.

"We publish this assessment with the aim of spurring mature conversations within government, organisations and communities about how these threats might manifest in our environments, and how we can work together to identify and manage risk."

Looking ahead

The NZSIS said that threats could not always be eliminated but urged that risks could be managed through awareness and stronger protective security.

The report concluded that while New Zealand remains a relatively safe country, the challenges it faces are becoming more complex and fast-moving. Its message to the public was clear: vigilance and cooperation are vital if the nation is to confront these growing threats.