New Zealand Security Intelligence Service
ACTS ADMINISTERED
The New Zealand Security Intelligence Service Act 1969 provides the legislative base for the New Zealand Security Intelligence Service and is the only Act administered in the Service. Prior to 1969 the Service, founded in 1956 as the New Zealand Security Service, operated under an Order-in-Council.
FUNCTIONS AND RESPONSIBILITIES
The New Zealand Security Intelligence Service (NZSIS) is a civilian organisation. The Director of Security appointed by the Governor-General, is responsible to the Minister in Charge of the NZSIS for its efficient and proper working.
The functions of the NZSIS include to:
- Obtain, correlate, and evaluate intelligence relating to security;
- Communicate such intelligence to those that the Director of Security considers should be aware of it in the interests of security;
- Make recommendations relevant to security in respect of immigration and citizenship matters;
- Provide advice on protective security matters;
- Conduct inquiries and make recommendations regarding the granting of security clearances (vetting); and
- Cooperate with other organisations in New Zealand and overseas that can help the Service carry out its job.
Security is:
- The protection of New Zealand from acts of espionage, sabotage, terrorism or subversion, whether or not they are directed from or intended to be committed in New Zealand;
- The identification of foreign capabilities, intentions or activities within or relating to New Zealand that impact on New Zealand’s international or economic well-being; and
- The protection of New Zealand from activities within or relating to New Zealand that are influenced by any foreign organisation or foreign person; and are clandestine or deceptive or threaten the safety of any person; and impact adversely on New Zealand’s international or economic well-being;
The NZSIS may not:
- Investigate people only because they take part in legal protest activities or disagree with the government of the day;
- Enforce measures for security; or
- Do anything for the purpose of harming or furthering the interests of any political party.
STRUCTURE
The NZSIS’ head office is in Defence House, Aitken Street, Wellington. There are regional offices in Auckland and Christchurch. All the offices collect information and undertake vetting duties. Research and analysis is a head office responsibility. Major administrative matters such as finance, staffing, and liaison with other government departments and agencies and Ministers are also handled by the NZSIS’ head office.
Apart from the name of the Director of Security, it is an offence to publish certain information regarding the identity of members of the NZSIS or that a person is connected in any way with a member of the NZSIS.
RELATED OFFICES
The office of the Inspector-General of Intelligence and Security was established by the Inspector-General of Intelligence and Security Act 1996.
The Inspector-General may inquire into any matter that relates to the NZSIS’ compliance with the law. In addition, he or she may inquire into a complaint by any New Zealand person who considers that they have been adversely affected by any act, omission, practice, policy, or procedure of the NZSIS.
The office of the Commissioner of Warrants was established by the New Zealand Security Intelligence Service Act (No 2) 1999.
The Commissioner advises the Minister in Charge of the NZSIS on applications for domestic interception warrants, and issues domestic interception warrants jointly with the Minister. The Commissioner also considers and gives advice and may jointly give directions concerning approvals to enter and intercept communications or seize documents in certain places.
RECORDS
Documents held by the NZSIS fall within the following general categories:
INTELLIGENCE RECORDS
These contain information relating to security. Intelligence records cover the means of collecting intelligence, and information about groups, organisations and individuals of security interest.
VETTING RECORDS
Information in vetting files is obtained from the vetting candidate, referees, and other sources.
ADMINISTRATIVE, ORGANISATIONAL AND OPERATIONAL RECORDS
Most records not coming within the intelligence or vetting categories fall in this general category. These records in the main are similar to those held by other governmental organisations, covering internal organisation and structure, accommodation, finance, personnel matters, equipment and travel. Some records, however, relate to matters unique to the NZSIS, such as operational plans and procedures.
CORRESPONDENCE
These records contain correspondence with government departments and organisations on security matters including vetting, correspondence with members of the public, security complaints hearings and liaison with overseas intelligence services.
DOCUMENTS RELATING TO DECISION-MAKING PROCESSES
The NZSIS uses the manual ‘Security in the Government Sector’ in vetting and protective security matters. There are other manuals which are used in the conduct of its work but these are security classified documents.
PUBLICATIONS
In addition to the public version of its Annual Report, the NZSIS has one external publication:
- A Guide to Weapons of Mass Destruction – Your role in preventing proliferation of weapons of mass destruction
These are available on its website.
CONTACT
Director of Security
New Zealand Security Intelligence Service
P O Box 900
WELLINGTON
Phone (04) 472 6170
Correspondence with the Inspector-General of Intelligence and Security should be addressed to:
P O Box 5609
WELLINGTON
