New Zealand national Security Intelligence Priorities released

Jacinda Ardern has released the New Zealand Government’s 2021 National Security Intelligence Priorities, Whakaarotau Marumaru Aotearoa,

The release of the Priorities is part of a wider work programme to address the relevant findings and recommendations of the Royal Commission of Inquiry into the terrorist attack on Christchurch Masjidain.

The 13 National Security Intelligence Priorities cover a large range of actual and potential threats and risks to New Zealand’s national security. This includes emerging, critical and sensitive technology, such as critical infrastructure vulnerabilities, foreign interference and espionage, malicious cyber activity, border security, and terrorism and violent extremism, particularly domestic threats.

Ardern said: “The safety, wellbeing and protection of New Zealanders and our nation’s sovereignty will always be paramount for the Government. The National Security Intelligence Priorities help us to identify threats, risks, and challenges to New Zealand’s security and wellbeing, while outlining current areas of interest where intelligence can support the Government to make informed decisions.

“These Priorities build on the previously released 2018 Priorities, and have been grouped into 13 overarching themes covering a range of threats and risks to New Zealand including; foreign interference and espionage, climate change and environmental issues, malicious cyber activity, terrorism and violent extremism.”