NZSIS warns security threats intensify across New Zealand

New Zealand's national security challenges have intensified over the past year as foreign states pursue sensitive technology, private information and greater influence, according to the New Zealand Security Intelligence Service.

The agency's 2026 Security Threat Environment report identifies espionage, foreign interference, insider threats and violent extremism as significant risks. It says geopolitical instability is creating downstream security threats for New Zealand.

The country's international connections, security partnerships and position in the Pacific make it relevant to foreign states. Its proximity to Antarctica and role as a gateway for activities in the region also attract attention from state-backed actors.

Technology targets

NZSIS said foreign states and their proxies were targeting government agencies, companies, universities and research institutions. Their objectives include acquiring intellectual property, technology and other non-public information.

The agency said state-sponsored cyber attacks had become an increasingly common way to access protected networks. The National Cyber Security Centre and its partners have detected a steady increase in espionage-motivated cyber activity against New Zealand over the past three years.

Researchers working on technology with potential civilian and military applications face particular risks. The report identified artificial intelligence and commercially available drones as examples of technology that could be adapted for military purposes.

Academic exchanges, scholarships and talent recruitment programmes can also provide foreign states with access to research. NZSIS said some states use these arrangements to conceal the involvement of military or intelligence agencies.

Businesses and non-government organisations were targeted during the past year. Foreign actors sought intellectual property and technology that could accelerate their countries' industrial or military capabilities.

"Countries are being buffeted by shifting geopolitical forces, unprecedented levels of polarisation in societies, ongoing economic pressures and rapid advances in artificial intelligence. The flow-on effects for New Zealand's national security makes up a complex and volatile picture.

"We are highly interconnected with the rest of the world, we produce leading innovations, hold important security partnerships and are located in the strategically important Pacific region, close to Antarctica. This makes New Zealand not only geopolitically relevant, but attractive to threat actors who are unsentimental in their pursuit of our information and their influence over us.

"Global events are not the sole source of New Zealand's security challenges – some of our concerns are home grown. Extremist voices from within our shores are contributing to a polarised information environment, and we see some advocating for the use of violence. Young and vulnerable people are particularly susceptible to readily available online violent extremist narratives, which are often exacerbated by the use of artificial intelligence," said Andrew Hampton, Director-General, NZSIS.

Space activity

New Zealand's space sector is another focus for foreign actors. NZSIS said the country's location makes it suitable for Ground Based Space Infrastructure used to track satellites, space debris and scientific data.

The same equipment can support military capabilities and intelligence operations. The report said foreign state actors had attempted to conceal their involvement in proposed commercial or research partnerships with local operators.

NZSIS identified an attempt by the China-based Purple Mountain Observatory to install Ground Based Space Infrastructure in New Zealand. The agency said the organisation has close links to the Chinese Government.

A local company involved in the proposed installation was probably unaware that the equipment could collect intelligence with military value, according to the assessment. NZSIS and other agencies disrupted the activity.

The report also described an attempt by a Russian state-owned organisation to acquire specialised components from the overseas subsidiary of a New Zealand-registered company. The organisation's links to the Russian Government were concealed. The technology could have strengthened Russia's military capability, NZSIS said.

Internal risks

The agency reported an increase in insiders harming their organisations and national security. These cases involve deliberate actions, external influence or employees who unwittingly provide access to information.

Foreign intelligence services may cultivate people who have access to government, corporate or research information. Other insiders may be motivated by financial pressure, workplace grievances or a desire for recognition.

The report also identified foreign interference affecting diaspora communities. Foreign states and their proxies have sought to monitor communities, suppress dissent and influence political participation in New Zealand.

NZSIS said these activities can include threats against individuals or their families overseas. Community organisations and events may also be monitored by people acting for a foreign state.

The agency has issued Tiaki Pākihi Māori, protective security guidance developed for Māori businesses and entities. It covers risks involving people, knowledge and other assets through a Te Ao Māori framework.

Extremist activity

New Zealand's national terrorism threat level remains at Possible, where it has stood since 2022. The most plausible attack scenario involves a lone actor targeting a crowded or symbolically significant place.

Such an attacker would probably use an easily accessible weapon, including a firearm, bladed weapon or vehicle. Mobilisation could occur with little or no intelligence warning.

NZSIS has also observed people seeking more advanced capabilities, including improvised explosive devices and 3D-printed firearms. The report said AI tools and 3D printers could make these capabilities more accessible to a motivated individual.

Online radicalisation remains the main pathway into violent extremism. Social media algorithms can move users from non-violent material towards progressively more extreme content.

The agency said young people and individuals experiencing mental health vulnerabilities were particularly susceptible. It also identified nihilistic violent extremism as an emerging trend within international online communities where violence and criminal behaviour are normalised.

"As I've said previously, we're not trying be alarmist or cause fear. It's about being as open as NZSIS can on what we see so that sectors, communities and individuals have the information they need to keep themselves and New Zealand safe. Our colleagues at the GCSB's National Cyber Security Centre are taking the same approach when talking about cyber-security. Put simply, national security is not something exclusively owned by the security and intelligence agencies – it must be a collective effort," said Hampton.