From RNZ · RNZ | Te Reo Irirangi o Aotearoa · · 1m 20s
NZ Risks Five Eyes Exclusion Without Digital System
New Zealand faces losing Five Eyes intelligence access if it doesn't join the digital super-system by 2027.
In brief
New Zealand faces losing Five Eyes intelligence access if it doesn't join the digital super-system by 2027. New Zealand could be cut off from Five Eyes intelligence exchanges if it doesn't sign up to build Project Arcadia by Budget 2027. Originally reported by RNZ.
Warning issued
A Defence Force commander warned New Zealand would be cut off from Five Eyes information exchanges if it did not sign up to build Project Arcadia.
“A Defence Force commander warned New Zealand would be cut off from information exchanges within the Five Eyes intelligence group if it did not sign up to build a new digital super-system”
Project Arcadia
Project Arcadia is a digital backbone linking Five Eyes militaries that NZDF must join by Budget 2027 to avoid losing access to foundational capabilities.
“Arcadia capabilities will become foundational to the way that we plan, integrate and execute operations with FVEY partners”
NZDF's role
New Zealand helped develop Project Arcadia when it led a key Five Eyes information group in 2024-25 and now needs to sign up to maintain influence.
“Without joining the MOU, NZ risks becoming a lower trust, lower influence partner”
Funding needed
Defence forces worldwide are rushing to get hold of emerging military tech, and NZDF needs extra funding in Budget 2027 for a six-year Arcadia build.
“The spread of costs are not known at this point”
Strategic importance
Arcadia would enhance warfighting and intelligence gathering, giving NZ access to emerging technologies and ensuring interoperability with Five Eyes partners.
“Arcadia enables FVEY partners and their communities ... to work together faster, more securely, and at a greater scale”
Timeline
The MOU was signed in May 2026, with NZDF spending about $3 million by April 2026 on the project.
“By April the NZDF had spent about $3 million on it”
What it means
New Zealand could be cut off from Five Eyes intelligence exchanges if it doesn't sign up to build Project Arcadia by Budget 2027.
