Everyone in New Zealand has the right to feel safe and respected, and to express their opinions and beliefs freely. AUT will support students who experience foreign interference, bullying or harassment to protect your rights and safety.
Foreign interference is when foreign governments try to interfere in New Zealand’s society and communities, democracy and economy in a secretive and dishonest way.
There were diplomats representing a foreign state who maintain relationships with New Zealand student groups associated with that state’s diaspora population. The diplomats used this access to influence group memberships to ensure that those elected to leadership positions are politically loyal to the foreign state. They chose to obscure their relationship with the student groups to avoid accusations of interference in academic society.
Conducting themselves in this way is an example of foreign interference. They’re seeking to control how these groups and their members view the state and aim to identify dissidents.
If you’re experiencing foreign interference or are feeling unsafe on campus, bullied or harassed, you can report this to AUT. Reach out to our support staff who will work with you and the relevant government agencies to stop the activity.
You can report foreign interference directly to the New Zealand Police or the New Zealand Security Intelligence Services (NZSIS).
How to report to the NZ Police or NZSIS
Bullying and harassment are not acceptable at AUT. Bullying and harassment are unwanted and unwelcome behaviours that make it difficult to work and study peacefully and safely. Find out how you can report bullying and harassment, and get support from AUT.
The Ministry for Ethnic Communities provides a range of information and resources about your rights in New Zealand and how to identify and report foreign interference.
Ministry for Ethnic Communities
You can also get support from:
If you’re experiencing foreign interference and need emergency help, call 111 and ask for police.
If you can’t talk: