Why New Zealand can no longer afford to be naive about security
About this episode
Oliver discusses New Zealand's evolving security landscape with John Howard, emphasizing the need for increased vigilance and preparedness.
In this episode, Oliver talks to John Howard about New Zealand's changing security environment, from the firing of Defence Minister Chris Penk to the Semtex drone at Leipzig Airport and the SIS threat assessment naming China. John argues New Zealand does not need to become fearful, but it does need to become more alert, better prepared and more serious about protecting sensitive information. Recorded on 13 August 2026
People in this episode
Host: Oliver
Guest: John Howard
Topics covered
- security
- New Zealand
- China
- preparedness
- defense
Keywords
- security environment
- defense minister
- SIS threat assessment
- sensitive information
- preparedness
Mentioned in this episode
Organizations: SIS
Places: New Zealand, Leipzig Airport, China
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