CCP Police Car in Auckland!?
Right now, a replica Chinese police car is being driven around the streets of Auckland.
It carries the distinctive colours and markings of Chinese law enforcement, along with signage suggesting it belongs to an “anti-corruption task force.”
Most Kiwis might laugh it off.
But for Chinese New Zealanders who have experienced, fled or spoken out against the Chinese Communist Party, the symbolism carries a very different message: surveillance and intimidation.
Against the backdrop of China’s new Ethnic Unity Laws, that deserves our attention.
But this isn’t only an issue for Chinese New Zealanders.
Foreign interference is a New Zealand problem.
Earlier this year, Stuff revealed that the Chinese Consulate had an established relationship with a senior Auckland Police manager. The Consulate contacted her directly, including seeking information about a police case involving a Chinese national.
Police later acknowledged there were no formal oversight or authorisation requirements governing her dealings with foreign-government representatives. New rules were promised after the issue came to light.
That should concern every Kiwi.
We cannot simply assume our institutions have the safeguards needed to protect New Zealand from foreign influence.
The answer to foreign interference cannot be abandoning our own freedoms.
In another concerning Chinese vehicle story, NZ Police are now considering Chinese-made BYD EVs for disaster response.
As one PILLAR supporter put it: “I know a bad idea when I see one!”
PILLAR is questioning the judgement behind that decision. Connected vehicles can collect significant amounts of data and include remote connectivity, while BYD is a Chinese company operating under Chinese law.
Security concerns around Chinese-made connected vehicles have already been raised in Australia, the US, Canada and Britain.
That’s why PILLAR wrote to three Ministers this week seeking answers.
These stories are different, but they point to the same challenge:
How does a free country protect itself from foreign interference without becoming less free in the process?
We believe the answer starts with transparency and accountability.
That’s the principle behind PILLAR’s FIT Bill.
Shine a light on foreign influence. Let Kiwis see who is acting on behalf of foreign powers. Give authorities a clear basis for investigation. And impose serious penalties on those who deliberately hide it.
Because foreign interference may target one community first, but the sovereignty, institutions and freedoms at stake belong to every New Zealander.
The answer to foreign interference isn’t less freedom. It’s more transparency.
