Simon O'Connor: Foreign interference is very real in New Zealand

I recently gave a speech to MPs, academics, journalists, and the general public on foreign interference in New Zealand, sharing some real and personal stories of mine.

This is not my regular Substack. It is a copy of a speech I recently gave to those attending a symposium on foreign interfernce, hosted by the Tasman Alliance and co-sponsored by the Free Speech Union and New Zealand Values Alliance. It was a gathering of academics, Members of Parliament, journalists, ambassadors, influencers, and the general public.

Free to believe

Simon O'Connor: Cold water

Politically, pouring ‘cold water’ onto challenging issues in New Zealand is common place – be it the recent police scandal or instances of foreign interference. It's time to sustain conversations.

Have you noticed how cold water is quickly and figuratively poured over emerging political issues in New Zealand? The latest scandal around some senior police commanders is a good case in point as too the exposure of various instances of foreign interference over recent years.

Point of Order: Buzz from the Beehive - 20/11/24

Researchers make the case for a carbon tax while NZ brays about our ETS (and finds $10m for climate change fund)

The University of Auckland has drawn attention to a new study which emphasises the value of a carbon tax to effectively decarbonise the economy.

A carbon tax is the most effective way for New Zealand to cut emissions while supporting a stable economy, according to the study.

Alexander Gillespie: Out of the shadows

Why making NZ’s security threat assessment public for the first time is the right move

Today’s release of the threat assessment by the New Zealand Security Intelligence Service (SIS) is the final piece in a defence and security puzzle that marks a genuine shift towards more open and public discussion of these crucial policy areas.