8214 (2025). Teanau Tuiono to the Minister of Justice

8214 (2025). Teanau Tuiono to the Minister of Justice: What is the Minister's definition of 'New Zealand interest' in the context of foreign interference?

Hon Paul Goldsmith: In the context of foreign interference, the definition of New Zealand interest is set out in the definition of protected New Zealand interest in clause 10 of the Crimes (Countering Foreign Interference) Amendment Bill. Specifically, it is limited to: - the security or defence of New Zealand - the economic well-being of New Zealand - the international relations of New Zealand - the functioning of the executive, judiciary, or legislature of New Zealand - the exercise or performance of any public function, duty, or power conferred or imposed on a person or body by or pursuant to the law of New Zealand - the fair and impartial conduct of any election, poll, or referendum under the law of New Zealand - the ability of any person to exercise in New Zealand any human, civil, political, or democratic right recognised under the law of New Zealand, and - the safety or security of any person in New Zealand or any citizen of New Zealand, whether or not that person is in New Zealand, or any person ordinarily resident in New Zealand, whether or not that person is in New Zealand.