Protest and civil unrestElevated
Protests are persistent but usually manageable with planning.
Country risk assessment ยท Oceania
New Zealand political and security risk assessment
New Zealand carries a low level of political and security risk for business. It scores 15 out of 100 on the Zed Three World Threat Map (band 1 of 5), unchanged on last week and broadly stable over the last 12 weeks. Last updated Nov 2, 2026.
15of 100
Low
Band 1 of 5
▬ Unchanged on last week
Oceania
New Zealand
What is the political and security risk in New Zealand right now?
New Zealand carries a low level of political and security risk for business. It scores 15 out of 100 on the Zed Three World Threat Map (band 1 of 5), unchanged on last week and broadly stable over the last 12 weeks.
Steady at Low, with no standing risk flags.
On the economic side, real GDP grew 0.5% in 2025 with inflation at 2.8%.
What are the main risks of operating in New Zealand?
Armed conflict and political violenceGuarded
Armed violence is occasional and mostly localized.
What has changed recently in New Zealand?
New Zealand moved unchanged this week and rose 3 points over the last 12 weeks, from 12 to 15.
What happens next? Outlook for the next 1 to 3 months
We assess it is highly likely that New Zealand stays in the Low band through the end of December.
80 to 90%
0%50%100%
Likelihood ranges are editorial judgments, not advice.
What does it mean for shipping, supply chains and operations?
Food makes up 69% of goods exports (2025 data), so harvest, port and road disruption matter for buyers.
Trade equals 51% of GDP (2024 data). Supply chain exposure is mainly to regional and global shocks rather than local events.
Operating conditions are normal. Standard security precautions apply.
Key facts
GDPUS$264.1 billionLatest data, 2025
Real GDP growth0.5%Latest data, 2025
Inflation2.8%Latest data, 2025
Trade51% of GDPLatest data, 2024
Food exports69% of goods exportsLatest data, 2025
Population5.3 millionLatest data, 2025
How has the New Zealand threat score moved?
Frequently asked questions
What is the political and security risk in New Zealand for business?
New Zealand carries a low level of political and security risk for business. It scores 15 out of 100 on the Zed Three World Threat Map (band 1 of 5), unchanged on last week and broadly stable over the last 12 weeks.
What are the main geopolitical risks of operating in New Zealand?
The main risk drivers are protest and civil unrest (elevated); armed conflict and political violence (guarded). Protests are persistent but usually manageable with planning.
What is the outlook for New Zealand?
We assess it is highly likely (80 to 90%) that New Zealand stays in the Low band through the end of December.
How often is the New Zealand risk assessment updated?
The New Zealand threat score is updated weekly on the Zed Three World Threat Map, and this assessment is reviewed monthly. It was last updated Nov 2, 2026.
Related country assessments
Published by Zed Three, a private, independent risk intelligence company. Assessment last updated Nov 2, 2026. Threat score updated weekly, last on Nov 2, 2026. General analysis for informational purposes, not security, legal or investment advice.
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