“The Director-General of NZ Security Intelligence Service” – with Andrew Hampton

Summary

Andrew Hampton joins Andrew (X; LinkedIn) to discuss intelligence in New Zealand. Andrew is the Director General of the New Zealand Security Intelligence Service. 

What You’ll Learn

Intelligence

• The New Zealand Intelligence Community
• How geography effects national security
• The lasting impact of the Christchurch Mosque attacks
• New Zealand’s relationship with China

Reflections

• The power of community organization
• The nuanced nature of global politics

And much, much more …

Episode Notes

This week, Andrew was joined in the studio by Andrew Hampton, the current Director General of the New Zealand Security Intelligence Service. Andrew is the first ever New Zealander we’ve had on SpyCast, and what a great first Kiwi guest he was. 

In this episode, the two Andrews discuss a broad overview of the intelligence services of New Zealand. From its inception in the 1950s with a specific focus on Soviet relations to its modern-day functions combating threats from around the world, the NZSIS plays a critical role in the island’s security and global position. What’s it like to lead an intelligence service, what is New Zealand’s role within The Five Eyes, and how have the threats facing the country changed in the past century? Tune in to find out. 

And… 

Why are New Zealanders called Kiwis? Well, just like the Flat White question, there’s a bit of debate to this. Most agree that the moniker originated during World War I when soldiers from New Zealand were referred to as “Kiwis” after their unique national bird. The flightless bird has since become an unofficial national icon, and today, conservation efforts aim to protect and increase the abundance and diversity of the most beloved creature. 

Quotes of the Week

“I think for a long time there was a view that our geographical isolation protected us from a range of national security threats. But unfortunately, in the current world, geostrategic competition is playing out in our region. Going back to my old role, you’re only one click away from a cyber-attack … This and misinformation and violent extremism are permeating the whole world. ” – Andrew Hampton.

Resources 

SURFACE SKIM

*SpyCasts*

• CIA Director, Defense Secretary, Gentleman with Leon Panetta (2024)
• Australian National Day Special: Intelligence Down Under with John Blaxland (2024) 
• SPY CHIEFS: Director-General of Security Mike Burgess - ASIO, Australia & America (2022)
• Keeping Secrets/Disclosing Secrets with Spy Chief turned DG of Australia’s National Archives David Fricker (2022)

*Beginner Resources*

• What Is The Five Eyes Alliance? K. Haan, Forbes [Short Article]
• A Brief History of New Zealand, Live and Work New Zealand (2022) [Short article]
• Why Isn't New Zealand a Part of Australia? History Matters, YouTube (2020) [3 min. video]

DEEPER DIVE

Books

• Voyagers: The Settlement of the Pacific, Nicholas Thomas (Basic Books, 2021) 
• Pacific Century: The Emergence of Modern Pacific Asia, Mark Borthwick (Routledge, 2013)
• The Penguin History of New Zealand, Michael King (Penguin Books, 2003) 

Articles

• New Zealand accuses China of hacking parliament, condemns activity, L. Craymer, Reuters (2024) 
• The Phantom Eye: New Zealand and the Five Eyes, J. Battersby & R. Ball, Journal of Intelligence and National Security (2023) 
• The Christchurch mosque attacks: how Parliament responded, New Zealand Parliament (2021)
• Reflections on the Christchurch commission report, D. L. Byman, Brookings Institution (2020) 
• Why New Zealand Took Itself out of ANZUS: Observing “Opposition for Autonomy” in Asymmetric Alliances, A. L. Catalinac, Foreign Policy Analysis (2010) 
• Before September: A History of Counter-terrorism in New Zealand, B. K. Greener-Barcham, Australian Journal of Political Science (2002)

Video

• The Five Eyes; A Prisoner of Iran; Pink; The Isle of Man, 60 Minutes, CBS News (2023)

Primary Sources 

• He Whakaputanga o te Rangatiratanga o Nu Tireni – the Declaration of Independence of the United Tribes of New Zealand (1835)
• Te Tiriti o Waitangi — the Treaty of Waitangi (1840) 
• New Zealand Security Intelligence Service Act (1969) 
• Intelligence and Security Committee Act (1996) 
• Inspector-General of Intelligence and Security Act (1996)
• Government Communications Security Bureau Act (2003) 
• Intelligence and Security Act (2017)

*Wildcard Resource*

• The Women’s Suffrage Petition - Te Petihana Whakamana Pōti Wahine
• In 1893, this document gave all women in New Zealand the right to vote in general elections – Making New Zealand the first country in the world to enact universal women’s suffrage!