Rights and support against foreign interference

Everyone in Aotearoa New Zealand has the right to feel safe, respected and free to express their opinions and beliefs. If you're experiencing foreign interference, bullying or harassment, you don't have to face it alone. We're here to help protect your rights and safety.

What is foreign interference?

Foreign interference is when a foreign government tries to influence Aotearoa New Zealand's society, communities, democracy or economy – secretly and dishonestly.

A case study from the Ministry for Ethnic Communities

Diplomats from a foreign state had relationships with Aotearoa New Zealand student groups connected to that state's diaspora community. They used that access to influence who got elected to leadership positions – making sure those people were politically loyal to the foreign state. To avoid being called out, they kept their involvement hidden.

That's foreign interference. The goal was to control how group members thought and felt about the state, and to identify anyone who disagreed.

How to report foreign interference

Are you experiencing foreign interference or feeling unsafe on campus? Reach out to our support staff and we'll work with you and the relevant government agencies to stop the behaviour and keep you safe.

Talk to someone at AUT

Report this behaviour to the police or security intelligence services

You can also 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

Support for harmful behaviour

Inappropriate or unwanted behaviour, especially when used to intimidate or pressure others, is not okay at AUT. If you're experiencing unwanted behaviour that's making it hard to study or feel safe, we're here to help. Find out how you can disclose harmful behaviour and get support from AUT.

Learn more

Where to get advice and support

The Ministry for Ethnic Communities has information and resources to help you understand your rights in Aotearoa New Zealand and spot the signs of foreign interference.

Ministry for Ethnic Communities

You can also get support from:

What to do in an emergency

If you’re experiencing foreign interference and need emergency help, call 111 and ask for police.

If you can’t talk:

  • On a cell phone: stay quiet and listen for the ‘press 55’ prompt
  • On a landline phone: stay quiet and listen to the operator who will tell you to press any button for help
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