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NZSIS Community Newsletter
5th edition | March 2026
Foreword
Welcome to the fifth edition of the New Zealand Security Intelligence Service (NZSIS) Community Newsletter
Kia ora koutou,
While acknowledging the challenging global context we are in, here at home I hope you've had a pleasant and safe start to 2026. It's my privilege bringing this edition of the community newsletter to you.
As Director of Mission and Analysis, I lead the NZSIS’ intelligence missions – which includes our work in countering violent extremism and terrorism, foreign interference and espionage. Our teams analyse information from various sources to understand New Zealand's threat environment and direct the focus of our investigative and operational activity.
I am also responsible for our analysis functions. All of the information we collect through our investigations feeds into our assessments which enable actions to be taken to protect our national security. We also provide advice, based on our unique security insights, to the wider New Zealand Government to enable better informed policy and regulatory decisions.
The Combined Threat Assessment Group (CTAG), for instance, has a role to monitor New Zealand’s national terrorism threat level and advise the Director-General of Security, who sets the national terrorism threat level. While hosted and led within the NZSIS, CTAG includes analysts from other government agencies too.
Over the past year, CTAG has reviewed the terminology of New Zealand's terrorism threat levels. These have now been published and made public.
The new terminology communicates the threat in a way that is easier for the New Zealand public to understand. No changes have been made to the methodology or the number of threat levels. See below for more information.
In order to raise awareness about national security more broadly, we believe information needs to be accessible and made available in a timely fashion. Therefore, we have translated information on violent extremism, terrorism, and the updated terror threat levels into 14 languages which you can now view on our website.
Making information available in more languages is key to equipping more New Zealanders with the tools and confidence to report concerning behaviours and activities to us. Those reports can make a real difference in keeping New Zealand safe and secure.
Ngā mihi nui,
Carl Mann
Director, Mission & Analysis
In the news
New Zealand's terrorism threat levels
New Zealand’s National Terrorism Threat Level (terrorism threat level) remains unchanged following an annual review by CTAG, an inter-agency group hosted and led by the NZSIS.
Using newly updated language, the terrorism threat level is assessed as POSSIBLE which is equivalent to the previous level of LOW.
The change in language reflects efforts to explain the terrorism threat level in a more meaningful and accessible way for the public. NZSIS was aware that some communities did not feel that describing the threat level as 'LOW' accurately reflected an environment where another terrorist attack was assessed as being a realistic possibility. Familiarise yourself with the new terrorism threat levels.
Countering violent extremism and terrorism in 14 languages
The NZSIS investigates threats to New Zealand’s national security posed by violent extremism in New Zealand and overseas.
In order to make information more accessible to New Zealand's diverse communities, we have produced information on violent extremism and terrorism in 14 languages.
Updates
NZSIS updates
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NZSIS Annual Report 2025 Our Annual Report outlines, at an unclassified level, the unique and highly valued contributions the NZSIS has made to New Zealand’s national security in this challenging environment over the past year. |
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Statement to the Intelligence and Security Committee Director-General Andrew Hampton has made a statement to the Intelligence and Security Committee earlier this month. You can read them or watch the live-stream. |
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Other updates
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New Zealand's Countering Terrorism and Violent Extremism Strategy 2025 A coordinated, effective counter‑terrorism system is fundamental to a resilient, prosperous New Zealand. DPMC's refreshed strategy drives delivery and system maturity around four priority areas of prevent, protect, disrupt and respond, designed to respond to New Zealand’s specific threat environment and globally emerging challenges. |
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Online Exposure: Experiences of Extreme or Illegal Content in Aotearoa In the latest nationally representative survey by Te Mana Whakaatu | Classification Office, adults were asked directly about their experiences with extreme or potentially illegal content online. The results underline the importance of clear guidance about the law and practical ways to keep yourself, your whānau and your community safe online. |
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Help protect New Zealand
If you are concerned about an immediate threat, please contact police on 111.
You can help NZSIS by telling us if you notice concerning behaviour or activities. Your information could help save lives.
Trusting your instinct is important – your concerns could be an important piece of the puzzle.
You can contact us using our online form, which can be completed in any language. Personal information you provide is securely encrypted and kept strictly confidential.
Contact us
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For more information on how to contact the NZSIS, please visit nzsis.govt.nz/contact-us
To get in touch with our engagement team, please email community.engagement@nzsis.govt.nz