The U.S. Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) has officially opened a dedicated office in New Zealand’s capital, Wellington, in a move aimed at deepening security cooperation and countering China’s growing influence in the Pacific region.
FBI Director Kash Patel, who visited New Zealand to inaugurate the office, said in a statement on Thursday that the standalone law enforcement attaché office would enhance Washington’s strategic partnership with Wellington across a range of global security issues.
“Some of the most important global issues of our times are the ones that New Zealand and America work on together – countering the CCP [Chinese Communist Party] in the Indo-PACOM theatre, countering the narcotics trade, working together against cyber intrusions and ransomware operations, and most importantly protecting our respective citizenry,” Patel said in a video released by the U.S. Embassy in Wellington.
While the FBI has operated a suboffice in New Zealand since 2017, this marks its first full-scale, independent presence in the country. The expanded mission is expected to bolster joint efforts on criminal investigations, particularly those involving cybercrime, organized crime, and child exploitation.
The move comes amid growing alignment between New Zealand and the United States in addressing shared security concerns, especially China’s increasing assertiveness in the Pacific. Both countries are part of the Five Eyes intelligence alliance, alongside Australia, Canada, and the United Kingdom.
New Zealand’s Defence Minister Judith Collins and Police Minister Mark Mitchell welcomed the new office, calling it a “significant step” in protecting national security and enhancing public safety.
“The presence of the FBI will further strengthen our law enforcement cooperation and help keep New Zealanders safe,” their joint statement said.
The FBI said Patel also met with key government officials during his visit to discuss future areas of collaboration.
Written By Rodney Mbua
