The National Security System and How You Fit In
Marika Hughes DPMC
Marika will provide an overview of New Zealand’s National Security System, looking at both governance and crisis. Intelligence plays a big part in how the system works, and the goal is for attendees to walk away with a clear understanding of how their work contributes.
Marika Hughes is a Senior Advisor in the Department of Prime Minister and Cabinet’s National SecuritySystems Directorate. Prior to her arrival in New Zealand in 2003, Marika’s career spanned key analytical and liaison roles within the US intelligence and defence communities, including secondments to the FBI to support counterterrorism investigations in 2007-2008. Marika has held a number of appointments within New Zealand Government, including senior analyst roles in the New Zealand Customs Service and Department of Internal Affairs. Before taking up her current role in DPMC in September 2015, Marikaspent more than five years in Parliament as the Private Secretary to the Minister of Civil Defence, with additional roles supporting the Minister of Internal Affairs and the Minister for Racing. As Secretary of the Major Events Security Committee, she currently provides risk management and security expertise for major events both onshore and offshore. Marika also chairs New Zealand’s National Exercise Programme, which seeks to ensure that the National Security System has a robust capability to respond to emergencies.