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The United States Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) has officially opened a permanent office in New Zealand, citing increasing security concerns related to China.
FBI Director Kash Patel inaugurated the office on Thursday following a series of meetings in Wellington with senior government officials, intelligence chiefs, and law enforcement leaders.
In a video released by the US Embassy in Wellington, Patel highlighted the growing importance of close cooperation between allies. “Some of the most important global issues of our times are the ones that New Zealand and America work on together,” he said.
Patel emphasised that confronting the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) is a key priority, stressing that the FBI cannot manage such challenges without strong international partnerships.
New Zealand is part of the Five Eyes intelligence-sharing alliance, which also includes the United States, the United Kingdom, Canada, and Australia. Patel described these allies as the FBI’s “greatest partners” but urged collective action. “We need all of them… to get after the fight and put the mission first,” he said.
According to the US Embassy, the new FBI office in New Zealand will focus on a range of security threats, including terrorism, cybercrime, financial fraud, organised crime, child exploitation, and foreign intelligence activities. The office’s remit also includes responsibilities in surrounding territories such as Antarctica, Samoa, Niue, the Cook Islands, and Tonga.
New Zealand’s minister in charge of intelligence services, Judith Collins, welcomed the move, describing the FBI as a valued and trusted partner.
The FBI already operates numerous offices globally, staffed by special agents who support international investigations and intelligence coordination.
