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NZSIS Community Newsletter
2nd edition | June 2025
Deputy Director-General's foreword
Kia ora. Welcome to the second edition of the New Zealand Security Intelligence Service (NZSIS) Community Newsletter
My name is Phil McKee, and I have the privilege of leading the intelligence directorate at the NZSIS. I'm proud to bring you this edition of the community newsletter.
The NZSIS increasingly relies on information from the public to keep New Zealand safe from threats of terrorism, violent extremism, foreign interference and espionage.
As an agency we do everything we can, with our unique capabilities and powers, to identify threats but working with the New Zealand public to assist us with this task is vital.
I come across people all the time who assume that because we are an intelligence service we can automatically detect all threats. This, however, is not the case.
It's really important that we clear up this common misconception. The NZSIS cannot read everyone's emails, we don't listen to all phone calls and we're not monitoring every internet chatroom or instant messaging app. Not only would that be completely impractical, but it would also be highly illegal in a democratic country like New Zealand.
My people work every day to make sense of little pieces of information to try to develop a bigger intelligence picture. We receive information from a variety of sources including from our own investigations, central government agencies, and international partners.
However, perhaps most importantly, we receive crucial information from the public. Approximately 20% of our leads originate from pieces of intelligence we receive from everyday New Zealanders.
Think of it as a puzzle in which the NZSIS has many of the pieces. The information you have may be the missing piece which could help us detect, investigate, deter, or disrupt a national security threat.
In the very first edition of this newsletter, we explained that we want to raise New Zealanders' awareness of national security, which we believe is a shared responsibility. You can contribute to the safety and security of our country by reporting concerning behaviours or activities in any language.
In the last few months, we've received great feedback on the launch of our community newsletter. We've heard that people are keen to receive bite-sized updates from the NZSIS.
Our aim is to continue sending relevant and useful information straight to your inbox (please encourage your friends, family, and colleagues to subscribe!).
We hope you enjoy this edition.
Ngā mihi nui,
Phil McKee
Deputy Director-General of Intelligence
Engagements
Talking national security with educators and schools
Our Deputy Director-General of Protective Security recently presented to a couple of high schools in an effort to normalise conversations on national security. He highlighted the national security threats facing New Zealand, with a focus on how young people may be impacted.
He talked to more than 300 students, encouraging them to consider a career in intelligence which was followed by an insightful, and at times entertaining, discussion.
As part of our engagement strategy with the education sector, the NZSIS was also invited to run two sessions at the Secondary Principals' Associations of NZ (SPANZ) annual conference in late May. We presented to 200 principals on violent extremism and foreign interference and how they can identify concerning behaviours and activities.
Presenting at NZ Police's Social Cohesion Forum
In late May our Director of Mission and Analysis and Engagement Manager spoke at the Social Cohesion Forum in Tāmaki Makaurau run by NZ Police.
The presentation provided an overview of our roles and functions, New Zealand's security threat environment, and also outlined how communities can play a role in keeping our country safe and secure. Over 150 people attended, representing more than 35 diverse communities.
In the news
NZSIS updates
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New Zealand's Security Threat Environment 2025 to be published soon In September, NZSIS will publish its third annual threat assessment report. The assessment will outline our view of the current threat landscape, with a focus on national security threats. It will offer advice to help organisations and communities to better manage risk. With greater awareness of these threats, you can help us keep New Zealand safe and secure. |
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The importance of intelligence cooperation with the Pacific Director-General of Security Andrew Hampton addressed the New Zealand Institute of International Affairs (NZIIA) in early March. Andrew spoke about the NZSIS's efforts to enhance intelligence cooperation, our foreign intelligence function, and the work carried out to contribute to a secure, prosperous and resilient Pacific. |
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Other updates
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Foreign interference in New Zealand Foreign interference harms the rights and freedoms of people in New Zealand. 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. The Ministry for Ethnic Communities has produced a set of resources in 24 languages to generate awareness of foreign interference and support people who may be subject to it. |
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Protective Security Requirements (PSR) resources PSR sets the New Zealand Government's expectations for managing personnel, physical, and information security. It is a key function of the NZSIS. PSR's website features resources that advises what your organisation can do to manage risk and security effectively. TOP TIP: Don't forget your SOUP this winter! Be vigilant if interest in your business is suspicious, ongoing, unusual or persistent. Concerning behaviours and activities should be reported to the NZSIS. |
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Publications
Secure Innovation
Secure Innovation has been created for emerging New Zealand technology companies. It aims to help start-ups and the emerging technology sector be aware of what to look for, so their security is robust.
The five principles are: know the threats, secure your business environment, secure your products, secure your partnerships, and secure your growth.
Trusted Business
This guide is designed to help the business sector in Aotearoa New Zealand get the best out of international business relationships while protecting intellectual property (IP), sensitive research, data, information, and employees.
Ensuring the integrity of New Zealand business is vital to the ongoing success of domestic and international business, trade, and export.
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