Podcast: Why New Zealand can no longer afford to be naive about security
Dr Oliver Hartwich
Major General John G. Howard, MNZM (Ret)
18 August, 2026
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