FBI to establish permanent office in Wellington

Thursday 31 July 2025 · 8 outlets · 9 reports · updated Fri 1 Aug 2025, 5:43am

In this story Judith Collins, FBI, Kash Patel, Five Eyes

FBI Director Kash Patel has visited Wellington to open a dedicated law enforcement attaché office. The new base aims to strengthen cooperation with New Zealand, a Five Eyes partner. The move has drawn criticism from China regarding claims about countering regional influence.

How they headlined it

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Thu 1:28pm2:27pm5:37pmFri 4:30am

1. The Press via The PostThu 31 Jul 2025, 1:28pm

   Trump-appointee Kash Patel opens FBI office in NZ (opens in new tab)

2. 1NewsThu 31 Jul 2025, 1:31pm

   FBI opens office in Wellington (opens in new tab)

3. RNZThu 31 Jul 2025, 1:51pm

   FBI to open standalone office in Wellington (opens in new tab)

   • Government pushes back on claims FBI's new office in Wellington to counter China (opens in new tab) Thu 31 Jul 2025, 5:37pm
   • China hits back at FBI director's 'groundless assertions' in Wellington (opens in new tab) Fri 1 Aug 2025, 5:43am
4. StuffThu 31 Jul 2025, 1:57pm

   FBI opening base in Wellington, after director Kash Patel makes secret visit to the capital (opens in new tab)

5. NZ HeraldThu 31 Jul 2025, 2:02pm

   FBI to establish base in New Zealand, after Director Kash Patel visit (opens in new tab)

6. Otago Daily TimesThu 31 Jul 2025, 2:27pm

   FBI opening standalone base in Wellington (opens in new tab)

   • Opening of FBI office in Wellington ‘slightly ironic’ (opens in new tab) Fri 1 Aug 2025, 4:30am