What happened to our sense of self-respect and national sovereignty?
From day one, PILLAR has been explicit. We name and call out those who seek to infiltrate and undermine our democracy through foreign interference. We do this because authoritarianism thrives in the dark, and our responsibility is to shine a light directly into it.
You would think a free and democratic people would support that.
You would think that reports from the NZSIS and ASIO, investigative journalism from Stuff’s Paula Penfold, Portia Mao and Justin Wong, and even the public statements and actions of the Chinese Embassy itself would be enough. Today’s condemnation of our media by the CCP-aligned Chinese embassy is simply the latest confirmation. Foreign actors are here. They are active. And we are doing far too little to stop them.
Despite overwhelming evidence, repeated incidents, and in some cases direct personal experience, many in positions of influence still refuse to speak plainly. At some point the question must be asked. Are these people compromised, or have we genuinely lost our sense of self-respect and sovereignty?
When politicians, agency leaders, and former prime ministers fail to push back against the growing aggression of the Chinese Communist Party, they are not just failing New Zealand. They are failing every emerging democracy watching to see whether free nations still have the courage to defend themselves. That includes our Pacific neighbours and Taiwan.
Of particular concern are the reactions following the embassy’s latest outburst. Former diplomats and certain journalists have openly mocked or dismissed criticism of a foreign authoritarian government attacking our fourth estate. These are people who boast titles and credentials, yet appear willing to excuse intimidation when it suits them.
They muddy the waters. They confuse the public. They present themselves as voices of reason while running cover for a communist regime. They attack New Zealanders who speak up, dismiss concerns as exaggerated, and shrug while foreign powers openly dictate what can be said in our own country.
This is not diplomacy. Its pressure.
But there is hope.
The apologists for interference are fighting a losing battle. Truth surfaces. Taiwan continues to stand strong. The Pacific is not for sale. And New Zealand is not a nation that will be taken quietly.
This only works if we stand together.
That is why PILLAR is running our Foreign Interference and National Sovereignty campaign. If you care about this country, help us. Share it. Sign up for updates. Follow our work. And if you believe in what we are building, support it so we can take this fight further.
Silence is far more dangerous than speaking out.
We stand strong so you can stand free.
