The Public Service national security sector protects New Zealanders from threats to our national security.

RNZAF's No. 3 Squadron conduct Exercise Blackbird 22, an annual readiness training activity designed to train helicopter crews in high altitude mountain flying

Tā te rāngai whakahaumaru mahi What the national security sector does

A number of government agencies contribute to the national security of Aotearoa, New Zealand.

The National Security Group within (DPMC) provides leadership across New Zealand’s national security agencies to strengthen national resilience and improve coordination on nationally significant issues.

The Government Communications Security Bureau contributes to New Zealand’s national security by collecting and analysing intelligence in accordance with the government’s priorities. It also provides cybersecurity, cooperation and assistance to other government organisations.

The Ministry of Defence is the lead civilian adviser on defence. On a national level, the New Zealand Defence Force protects the sovereign territory of New Zealand, including our Exclusive Economic Zone. The New Zealand Security Intelligence Service investigates threats to New Zealand’s national security and collects foreign intelligence.

The Ministry of Transport leads the maritime security policy and strategy, and Maritime New Zealand ensure the safety, security and environmental protection of coastal and inland waterways.

The Civil Aviation Authority works to ensure everyone involved in New Zealand aviation meets legal requirements. It also screens passengers and their luggage at airports and works closely with other border and government organisations both here and overseas.

The New Zealand Police works with the community and other government organisations to keep New Zealanders safe through crime prevention, law enforcement and national security.

On a domestic and international level the national security sector works together to keep New Zealand safe.

Ngā kaimahi o te rāngai whakahaumaru Who works in the national security sector

The national security sector employs a wide range of people, including:

  • pilots, doctors, engineers, electricians, and infantry
  • air traffic controllers, flying instructors and aviation officers
  • dog handlers and trainers
  • police officers, detectives and security personnel
  • intelligence analysts
  • assessment analysts
  • cybersecurity specialists and technology experts
  • environmental planners, rescue coordinators and investigators
  • policy advisors and managers
  • communications specialists.

Ngā painga o te rāngai whakahaumaru mō Aotearoa How the national security sector benefits New Zealand

The work of the national security sector contributes to the safety and security of both Aotearoa New Zealand and other countries. The sector works together to build a safer and more prosperous New Zealand, where people are protected from harm and the impacts of crime and a range of other threats. Protecting our waterways enhances the security of our borders, protecting the safety of our skies gives people assurance about air travel in New Zealand, and protecting our economic wellbeing and cybersecurity mean communities and businesses are supported.

Ngā whakahaere rāngai whakahaumaru National security sector organisations

These are the main Public Service organisations that support Aotearoa New Zealand’s national security sector.

  • Te Mana Rererangi Tūmatanui o Aotearoa | Civil Aviation Authority

    The Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) is a Crown agent and works to make sure everyone involved in New Zealand aviation meets the legal standards set by the Minister of Transport. New Zealand’s civil aviation community includes licensed pilots, engineers, and air traffic controllers, as well as aviation operators like airlines, aerodromes, flying schools, and aircraft maintenance organisations.

    There are 2 parts to the CAA:

    • the agency overseeing aviation safety and security, and the rules underpinning it
    • the Aviation Security Service, known as AvSec, who work at airports screening passengers and their luggage.

    Sectors

    Border

    National security

    Transport

    Chair

    Jill Hatchwell, Chair

    Website

    aviation.govt.nz

  • Te Tari o te Pirimia me te Komiti Matua | Department of the Prime Minister and Cabinet

    The Department of the Prime Minister and Cabinet (DPMC) provides impartial advice and support services to the Prime Minister, Cabinet, and the Governor-General. It ensures ministers and Cabinet are supported by timely, well-informed advice. Its work helps the Public Service be more proactive and responsive to the people of New Zealand.

    Sectors

    Central agencies

    Emergency

    National security

    Social

    Leader

    Rebecca Kitteridge, Te Tumu Whakarae mō Te Tari o te Pirimia me te Komiti Matua | Secretary of the Department of the Prime Minister and Cabinet and Chief Executive

    Current Public Service Leaders

    Leadership groups

    Public Service Leadership Team

    Website

    dpmc.govt.nz

  • Te Tira Tiaki | Government Communications Security Bureau

    The Government Communications Security Bureau (GCSB) is a signals intelligence agency which collects intelligence in accordance with New Zealand’s national security priorities. This intelligence is provided to government and relevant public sector agencies to support decision making. The GCSB also provides information assurance and cyber-security services to the Public Service and critical infrastructure organisations.

    Sectors

    National security

    Leader

    Bridget White, Te Tumu Whakarae mō Te Tira Tiaki | Director-General of the Communications Security Bureau and Chief Executive

    Current Public Service Leaders 

    Leadership groups

    Public Service Leadership Team

    Website

    gcsb.govt.nz

  • Nō te rere moana Aotearoa | Maritime New Zealand

    Maritime New Zealand is a Crown Agent that leads and supports the maritime community to take responsibility for making sure our seas and inland waterways are safe, secure and clean for everyone. It licenses and certifies seafarers and commercial operations, educates the maritime community and plays a role in both enforcing regulations and investigating accidents.

    Sectors

    Border

    Environment

    National security

    Transport

    Chair

    Dame Jo Brosnahan QSO, Chair

    Website

    maritimenz.govt.nz

  • Manatū Kaupapa Waonga | Ministry of Defence

    The Ministry of Defence is the lead civilian agency on defence matters. The Ministry contributes to making New Zealand safe and enhancing the security of other nations. It also purchases equipment which becomes capability when used by the personnel of New Zealand Defence Force.

    Sectors

    National security

    Leader

    Brook Barrington, Te Tumu Whakarae mō te Waonga | Secretary of Defence and Chief Executive

    Current Public Service Leaders 

    Leadership groups

    Public Service Leadership Team 

    Website

    defence.govt.nz

  • Te Manatū Waka | Ministry of Transport

    Te Manatū Waka is the system lead on transport. It provides advice about how the transport needs to change to support the New Zealand economy and the transport needs of New Zealanders. It works in partnership with a number of transport agencies covering air, sea and land to help keep the transport system moving.

    Sectors

    Border

    Environment

    International and trade

    National security

    Transport

    Leader

    Audrey Sonerson, Te Tumu Whakarae mō ngā Waka | Secretary for Transport and Chief Executive

    Current Public Service Leaders

    Leadership groups

    Public Service Leadership Team

    Website

    transport.govt.nz

  • Te Pā Whakamarumaru | New Zealand Security Intelligence Service

    The New Zealand Security Intelligence Service (NZSIS) investigates threats to New Zealand’s national security, and provides a range of protective security advice to the New Zealand Government. The NZSIS is New Zealand’s lead organisation for human intelligence, with a mission to keep New Zealand and New Zealanders safe and secure. The NZSIS collects, analyses and reports on intelligence relevant to New Zealand’s national security, and cooperates with a variety of other government agencies in the performance of their functions.

    Sectors

    National security

    Leader

    Andrew Hampton, Te Tumu Whakarae mō Te Pā Whakamarumaru | Director-General of Security and Chief Executive

    Current Public Service Leaders 

    Leadership groups

    Public Service Leadership Team 

    Website

    nzsis.govt.nz

  • Te Ope Kātua o Aotearoa | New Zealand Defence Force

    The New Zealand Defence Force works to keep Aotearoa New Zealand safe and secure. It protects the sovereign territory of New Zealand including our Exclusive Economic Zone. It advances New Zealand’s interests through military operations at sea, on land and in the air. Its equipment and expertise support people and communities who are in need at home, across the nation and around the world.

    Sectors

    Border

    National security

    Leader

    Air Marshal Tony Davies, Chief of Defence Force

    Leadership groups

    Public Service Leadership Team

    Website

    nzdf.mil.nz

  • Ngā Pirihimana o Aotearoa | New Zealand Police

    New Zealand Police works with the community to make New Zealanders be and feel safe, providing policing services 24 hours a day. It operates across land, sea and air to prevent crimes and crashes. It invests in relationships with tangata whenua to jointly reduce offending and victimisation within Māori communities.

    Sectors

    Border

    Emergency

    Justice

    National security

    Social

    Transport

    Leader

    Andrew Coster, Commissioner of Police

    Leadership groups

    Public Service Leadership Team

    Website

    police.govt.nz