44217 (2024). Rt Hon Chris Hipkins to the Prime Minister

44217 (2024). Rt Hon Chris Hipkins to the Prime Minister: Does he stand by his statement that intelligence agencies are being more open "to build literacy around it as an issue and threat", if so, how, if at all, will he measure the success of increased transparency in enhancing national security?

Rt Hon Christopher Luxon: In recent years the intelligence agencies have been increasingly open and specific about national security threats, including foreign interference in New Zealand, including in public statements, speeches and appearances before the Intelligence and Security Committee. A key driver of this openness is to help inform the public, government and civil society of the types of risks we face here in New Zealand that would otherwise remain unseen by the public. Shining a light on these risks makes these actions more difficult to carry out and supports better security outcomes through greater awareness. The nature of the work of the intelligence agencies means there will always be areas that are easier to measure than others, and some that are more difficult to quantify. In a security context, success is prevention. Raising awareness is one of a range of mitigations against foreign interference and other key national security threats.