HOMELAND SECURITY
Overseas investments and New Zealand’s strategic interests Rebecca McAtamney, LINZ’s Head of Regulatory Practice and Delivery, describes the role of the National Security and Public Order regime in overseas investments in Strategically Important Businesses are in New Zealand’s interests.
Rebecca McAtamney is LINZ’s Head of Regulatory Practice and Delivery
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New Zealand’s ability to maintain effective defence forces and gather intelligence is vitally important to our national security. We also have international obligations to manage the sale and export of military and dual-use goods and technologies. The National Security and Public Order regime is in place to ensure overseas investments in strategically important businesses and infrastructure are in New Zealand’s interest. The Overseas Investment Office (OIO) has a range of helpful information and is available to answer any questions. New Zealand’s defence forces and intelligence agencies play a pivotal role in ensuring our country’s national security. As a country we need to maintain a credible defence force to protect our people and the natural resources that underpin our economy and play our part in multi-national operations. We need to be able to carry out search and rescue operations on land and far out to sea, as well as respond when disaster strikes - at home or across the region. We need intelligence to help us identify threats to the safety and security of New Zealanders, both shorter term threats of violence and longer-term efforts to interfere with our society and democracy. We also need to protect our critical infrastructure, important
institutions and the intellectual property that will drive our future economic success. The people who go to work in defence and intelligence help ensure our country’s national security and public order and are committed to making a difference. They can’t and don’t do it alone though. Our agencies rely on businesses across the country that supply them with the equipment, technology and support services they need to perform their role. These businesses are likely to be an attractive investment proposition to overseas investors. Most investors have good intentions and see a quality investment that aligns with their business. They often also bring benefits to New Zealand such as access to new technology and expertise. Some, however, may have other motivations. As a country we need to make sure overseas investments are in our national interest, particularly when the investment involves a business that is strategically important. Protecting New Zealand’s interests and security The Overseas Investment Act is in place to ensure overseas investments are in New Zealand’s interests and sets out rules and approval requirements for investments into sensitive land, businesses, business assets and fishing Line of Defence
