The Intelligence Chill: Why New Zealand is Reassessing the Five Eyes Flow

Former CIA counterintelligence head Susan Miller tells RNZ that New Zealand is likely weighing which intelligence to withhold from the US under the Trump administration.

By: AXL Media

Published: Apr 15, 2026, 4:46 AM EDT

Source: RNZ Pacific

A Partnership Under Pressure

The Five Eyes alliance—comprising New Zealand, the US, the UK, Australia, and Canada—has long been the gold standard of global intelligence sharing. However, Miller, who served under the first Trump administration before having her clearance revoked for her role in probing Russian election influence, believes the dynamic has shifted.

Key points from the analysis include:

Strategic Omissions: Miller suggests that "Five Eyes minus America" are likely meeting to discuss what can safely be shared. Specifically, intelligence regarding Russian interference or assets may be withheld if there are concerns about U.S. political appointees.

Legal and Human Rights Safeguards: Former Intelligence Minister Andrew Little noted that NZ agencies are legally bound to act independently and must consider human rights obligations before sharing data. He admitted agencies are likely "actively considering current conditions."

Precedent for a Split: In late 2025, the UK reportedly suspended sharing intelligence with the US regarding Caribbean drug trafficking due to concerns over the legality of U.S. military strikes on those vessels.