Foreign Interference & National Sovereignty
Defending New Zealand’s democracy from foreign coercion and influence.
New Zealand’s democracy depends on transparency, independence, and the freedom of elected representatives to act without foreign pressure. Yet mounting evidence shows that foreign governments - most notably the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) - are actively attempting to interfere, intimidate, and coerce political, business, and civil society actors within New Zealand.
At PILLAR, we are calling for a serious national conversation and concrete action to protect New Zealand’s sovereignty, democratic institutions, and civil liberties from foreign interference and transnational repression.
This Matters…
Foreign interference undermines:
Democratic decision-making
Public trust in institutions
Freedom of speech and association
National sovereignty
Intelligence agencies and international experts warn that authoritarian regimes do not rely solely on overt diplomacy. They operate through networks of patronage, financial incentives, intimidation, and proxy organisations to shape policy outcomes and silence criticism.
Those most affected so far in New Zealand include pro-democracy activists, journalists, and members of diaspora communities—particularly people of Chinese ethnicity—who face harassment, coercion, and threats linked to foreign state interests.
Transparency is the first and most effective defence.
PILLAR’s Calling for…
A Foreign Influence Registration Scheme (FIRS)
A public, multi-tier register requiring ministers, MPs, senior officials, and government-affiliated entities to disclose formal or financial ties to foreign governments of concern, including China, Russia, Iran, and North Korea.
Similar schemes exist in other democracies. Failure to disclose relevant connections should carry legal consequences.
NZ to Stand Firm on Taiwan
New Zealand must reject Beijing’s distortion of UN Resolution 2758 and international law regarding Taiwan’s status. Statements supporting the right of democratic societies to self-determination are consistent with New Zealand’s values and legal obligations.
Other liberal democracies—including the UK, Canada, Australia, and several European nations—have already taken this step. New Zealand can and should do the same.
Why PILLAR Is Involved
PILLAR exists to protect Individual Life, Liberty, and Rights. A free society cannot survive if political decisions are shaped by intimidation, coercion, or undisclosed foreign influence.
Democracy only works when:
Citizens are informed
Leaders are accountable
Institutions are independent
Defending sovereignty is a prerequisite for freedom
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PILLAR is actively:
Developing draft legislation to strengthen transparency and accountability
Engaging with MPs, researchers, and international experts
Supporting individuals and communities targeted by foreign interference
Educating the public through events, media, and submissions
Building international partnerships with like-minded organisations
Foreign interference thrives in silence. We are committed to breaking it.
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This issue affects every New Zealander.
You can support this campaign by:
Staying informed and sharing credible information
Contacting your MP and asking where they stand on foreign influence
Supporting transparency-based reforms
Engaging in public discussions and submissions
Standing with communities targeted by intimidation or repression
As New Zealand approaches future elections, public engagement matters more than ever.
The Bigger Picture
Foreign interference is no longer something happening “overseas.” It is present in our communities, universities, corporate boardrooms, and Parliament.
History teaches us that democracies don’t fail overnight—they erode slowly, through silence, complacency, and the normalisation of pressure.
New Zealand still has a choice.
At PILLAR, we are choosing transparency, courage, and democratic integrity.
We invite you to stand with us.