Analysis of Misinformation Threats in New Zealand

This report is a critical analysis of the misinformation, disinformation, and malinformation (MDM) threats impacting New Zealand audiences from January 2020 to October 2023. It categorizes findings into four main areas: Public Safety, Public Health, National Security, and Election Integrity. Each category is assessed using a threat matrix that assigns risk and reach grades. The report identifies significant narratives affecting public safety, including conspiracy theories and anti-government protests, which pose major risks. In public health, the growth of the Anti-Vax movement and its influence on political discourse during the COVID-19 pandemic is documented. The report also discusses the potential for foreign information manipulation and its limited reach in New Zealand, particularly during the 2023 general election. Overall, the findings highlight the complex interplay between MDM narratives and their impact on societal issues in New Zealand.