FBI Director Kash Patel met with security ministers and agencies and law enforcement heads during a brief visit to Wellington.
The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) has opened a new office in Wellington, New Zealand, expanding its presence in the Pacific to address growing security threats—including cybercrime, espionage, and influence from the Chinese Communist Party (CCP).
FBI Director Kash Patel, who made a discreet visit to Wellington, said in a video released by the U.S. Embassy that countering the CCP in the Pacific region, is “one of the most important global issues” facing the two countries.
Patel’s visit was not announced in advance, and New Zealand ministers did not disclose their meetings with him until after his departure.
Nonetheless, journalists spotted his plane at the airport and later observed FBI agents on the 7th floor of the “Beehive” ministerial offices.
Patel made no public appearance and did not speak to media. However, the U.S. Embassy later released a video of a speech of his remarks, in which he said the FBI has collaborated closely with NZ counterparts for years.
“Expanding the Wellington office demonstrates the strength and evolution of our partnership as we continue to work together to address our shared security objectives in the region,” he said.
Although FBI agents have been stationed in Wellington since 2017, they previously operated under the direction of the bureau’s Canberra office.
The new Wellington office will now take on regional responsibility for Antarctica, Samoa, Niue, the Cook Islands, and Tonga.
A formal statement from the U.S. Embassy confirmed the establishment of a “dedicated law enforcement attaché office” in New Zealand.
“While the FBI has stationed personnel in New Zealand for several years, establishing a full Legat position in the country will strengthen and enhance the long-standing cooperation with a key Five Eyes partner in the southwestern Pacific region,” the statement said.
The upgraded office will work local police through joint investigations, information sharing, and capacity-building efforts, focusing on threats such as terrorism, cyber-crime, fraud, organised crime, money laundering, child exploitation, and foreign intelligence threats.
