PILLAR’S FIT BILL ENTERS NZ PARLIAMENT

MEDIA RELEASE | 04 August 2026 | FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

PILLAR's Foreign Influence Transparency Bill Enters the "Biscuit Tin"

PILLAR is proud to announce that the Foreign Influence Transparency (FIT) Bill has been adopted by National MP Tim Van de Molen as a Member's Bill and officially entered into Parliament's Members' Bill ballot - commonly known as the "biscuit tin."

Following months of research, policy development, drafting, and advocacy, the bill marks a significant milestone in PILLAR's mission to strengthen New Zealand's democratic resilience and national sovereignty.

The FIT Bill is designed to increase transparency around activities undertaken in New Zealand on behalf of foreign principals. It establishes a robust two-tier Foreign Influence Transparency Register focused on disclosure, designation, and registration. The legislation complements the Crimes (Countering Foreign Interference) Amendment Act 2025 by ensuring foreign interference is not only criminalised, but also brought into public view.

National MP Tim Van de Molen acknowledged PILLAR's work in developing the legislation and thanked the organisation for its contribution in bringing the proposal to this stage.

"This legislation is about transparency, not paranoia," said Nathan Seiuli, Executive Director of PILLAR. "New Zealanders have a right to know when foreign governments or their proxies are seeking to influence our political system, public debate, or national institutions."

"This isn't about one country. It's about ensuring New Zealand has the tools to identify and respond to interference from any foreign state or foreign-backed entity seeking to undermine our democratic processes. Strong democracies require transparency."

After less than a year of operation, PILLAR NZ has now contributed directly to New Zealand's legislative process through the development of a Member's Bill.

"We're proud to be contributing to our legislative system in ways that strengthen our national sovereignty, protect our civil liberties, and foster a freer, more resilient democracy," said Seiuli.

"PILLAR has shown that civil society can do more than comment on legislation. We can research issues, develop policy, draft legislation, and work constructively with Parliament to deliver practical solutions."

The organisation says the bill comes at an important time, as democratic nations around the world continue to face increasing attempts at foreign interference across politics, elections, trade, academia, media, and local government.

"This is world-leading legislation and one we believe New Zealand needs. Democracies across the world are grappling with the challenge of foreign interference, and New Zealand has an opportunity to set a global standard for transparency while protecting the freedoms that define an open society," said Seiuli.

PILLAR also acknowledged the many experts, partners, and advocates from New Zealand and overseas who contributed advice throughout the bill's development.

"We're incredibly grateful for the support we've received from researchers, legal experts, and champions of democracy from like-minded nations facing similar challenges. Their input has helped strengthen this legislation."

While celebrating the milestone, PILLAR says the work is only beginning.

"The FIT Bill entering the Members' Bill ballot is a major step forward, but we now encourage the Government to adopt it as a Government Bill so this important reform can receive the priority and scrutiny it deserves."

PILLAR NZ extends its sincere thanks to National MP Tim Van de Molen for his leadership, collaboration, and willingness to champion the Foreign Influence Transparency Bill through Parliament.

ENDS

Media contact | Nathan Seiuli | 021 485 449