Formal review of the New Zealand-US security and diplomatic relationship

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Petition request

That the House of Representatives urge the Government to review the FBI’s Wellington presence, re-evaluate strategies for independence from foreign influence, continue to support and uphold international law with EU/UN partners, and initiate a national dialogue about shielding our democracy from external ideological shifts.

Why this petition

We believe we must reassess security ties with the US to ensure they serve our national interest. We believe public concern is rising over FBI influence and the impact of the MAGA movement on our democracy. We think it is vital for NZ to maintain an independent foreign policy that prioritizes human rights, international law, and sovereignty. In our view, we must protect democratic values and citizens from external autocratic pressure to ensure a neutral and secure future for NZ's citizens.

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Community verdict

7 support · 6 oppose

Community arguments

👍 For Tom W. 21 Oct 2026

The petition deserves a serious response because it asks who influences our democracy and how we protect it.

👎 Against Ngaire D. 21 Oct 2026

Independence is not neutrality. New Zealand can maintain an independent voice while keeping strong relationships with traditional partners.

👍 For Chris B. 21 Oct 2026

An independent foreign policy means being able to say no to allies when their actions conflict with our values.

👎 Against Jade F. 21 Oct 2026

Detailed security relationships cannot be conducted in public. Parliament can scrutinise them through existing select committee processes.

👍 For Mike J. 21 Oct 2026

Parliament should scrutinise security and diplomatic arrangements in public. Secrecy has limits in a democracy.

👎 Against Anna P. 21 Oct 2026

New Zealand already works with the EU and UN. Cutting US ties would not create independence; it would simply reduce our options.

👍 For Tane R. 21 Oct 2026

Strengthening ties with EU and UN partners would give New Zealand more options and reduce dependence on one ally.

👎 Against Liam O. 21 Oct 2026

A review framed around the MAGA movement looks partisan. Security arrangements should be assessed quietly and professionally.

👍 For Priya S. 21 Oct 2026

The rise of MAGA-style politics abroad is a warning. A national dialogue about protecting our democracy is sensible.

👎 Against Ben H. 21 Oct 2026

Walking away from US engagement would reduce New Zealand’s access to intelligence and diplomatic support when it matters most.

👍 For Mei L. 21 Oct 2026

New Zealand needs a foreign policy that prioritises international law and human rights, not automatic alignment with Washington.

👎 Against James W. 21 Oct 2026

FBI liaison in Wellington is normal law-enforcement cooperation, not evidence of democratic interference. The petition overstates the threat.

👍 For Aroha T. 21 Oct 2026

Public concern about foreign influence is real. An independent review would let New Zealand decide where its security interests actually lie.

👎 Against David K. 21 Oct 2026

The US is one of our closest security partners. A public review risks damaging intelligence cooperation for little practical gain.

👍 For Sarah M. 21 Oct 2026

A formal review of the FBI’s Wellington presence is overdue. New Zealand should know exactly what foreign security agencies are doing here.