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This content is based on information from the Protective Security Guidance resources.
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- Is an individual being persistent or unusually interested in your organisation? Check out the New Zealand Security Intelligence Sevice (NZSIS) S.O.U.P framework. Are they being Suspicious, Ongoing, Unusual and Persistent? This may seem harmless at first but their approach could be well planned and take place over time.
- Be cautious of individuals who ask detailed or persistent questions about your organisation’s internal operations, staff, or community members without a clear reason. This kind of targeted questioning may be an attempt to gather sensitive information.
- Ask yourself whether you're being asked to unduly influence others to support views that may not align with your organisation’s values or interests. These kinds of requests can be subtle, so it's important to stay aware and reflect on their intent.
- Report any concerning or suspicious behaviour to your leadership or board. If something doesn’t feel right, trust your instincts and talk to someone about it. See: How to report foreign interference
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- Do due diligence on individuals and organisations who approach you for a relationship, including other non-governmental organisations. See: Due diligence
- Always consider the background and motivation behind any proposed support, funding, or investment. Foreign interference efforts may use offers of assistance to gain leverage or control over community organisations. See: Key practices for managing gifts, funding and donations
- Pay attention to anyone who tries to bypass normal communication or decision-making processes — such as pushing for private meetings, avoiding written records, or discouraging others from being involved. These behaviours may signal an attempt to avoid transparency.
- Before sharing information, take a moment to check where it came from. Verifying the source helps prevent the accidental spread of false or misleading content.
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- Take a trusted colleague with you when meeting new contacts (online or in person) and keep them included in email exchanges.
- Share only the contact details you're comfortable making public in your role. Keeping your personal contact details private can help protect your privacy, and reduce the risk of unwanted contact.
- Do not discuss sensitive or private information in public or in places where others might overhear. This helps prevent the risk of that information being misused.
- Step away from any conversation if you feel uncertain or uncomfortable. In an emergency, call 111.
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- Be cautious with offers of gifts, funding, donations or favours — especially if they come with unexpected pressure or expectations. Some offers may be used by foreign state actors to gain influence, access, or leverage over your organisation. See Checklist: Gifts, funding and donations
- Be consistent in how you handle offers and define this process. Clearly communicate your organisation’s policies when gifts or support are offered, and apply the same process to all offers — regardless of who they come from.
- Stick to your organisation’s values. Decline offers that don’t align with your mission or that come with strings attached — especially if those conditions involve obligations your organisation wouldn’t normally accept.
- Discuss offers as a group. If you're unsure about accepting an offer, raise it with your board or team before responding. Making decisions collectively can help reduce the risk of individual pressure or influence.