New Zealand intelligence agencies
Encyclopedia
New Zealand's intelligence agencies and units have existed, with some interruption, since World War II
. At present, New Zealand
's intelligence community has approximately 500 employees, and has a combined budget of around NZ$80 million.
are now part of the Organised and Financial Crime Agency of New Zealand.
(Budget figures from Treasury estimates in the 2006 Budget; staff figures from individual websites or from Securing our Nation's Safety, a December 2000 report by the DPMC)
responsible for them. By tradition, the Prime Minister
takes both these portfolios directly. The External Assessments Bureau, as part of the Department of the Prime Minister and Cabinet, is also under the Prime Minister's supervision — directly with regard to its intelligence functions, and indirectly (through the head of the department) for administrative purposes. The Directorate of Defence Intelligence and Security and the Joint Geospatial Support Facility are the only ones not under the effective control of the Prime Minister — as part of the Defence Force they are subordinate to the Minister of Defence
.
, two further MPs nominated by the Prime Minister, and one further MP nominated by the Leader of the Opposition. The committee meets much more rarely than ordinary Select Committees, however — according to some claims, for less than an hour each year.
is a retired judge who is appointed to supervise the Security Intelligence Service and the Government Communications Security Bureau, ensuring that they remain within the law. The Inspector-General presents an annual report to the Prime Minister and the Leader of the Opposition.
and National
) broadly support the current arrangements, there exists a movement which seeks an overhaul of the system, or even the outright abolition of New Zealand's intelligence agencies. The Green Party
, for example, aims to abolish the GCSB and possibly the SIS — the functions of the former are deemed unnecessary and undesirable, while the functions of the latter are suggested as better performed by the Police
.
New Zealand's intelligence agencies, particularly the SIS, have sometimes been accused of inappropriate activities. The cases of Bill Sutch
, Aziz Choudry, and Ahmed Zaoui
, for example, have all prompted claims that the SIS has violated individual rights. The extent to which the agencies are accountable to Parliament and to the public has also been questioned in some quarters. Another common allegation, made by organisations such as the Green Party and the Anti-Bases Campaign
, is that New Zealand's intelligence agencies are subordinated to their partner agencies in other countries, particularly the United States
. The Green Party describes the Government Communications Security Bureau as working "for the benefit of American and British interests rather than for the benefit of New Zealand", and the Anti-Bases Campaign calls them "simply outposts of American Intelligence".
Defenders of the intelligence agencies argue that they perform a necessary role, and that (in the words of former Prime Minister Geoffrey Palmer) "a robust legislative framework makes sure these agencies operate within the law". In 2006, the director of the GCSB, Warren Tucker
, took the unprecedented step of publishing a general response to criticisms of his agency. The response, carried by national newspapers, strongly denied accusations that the GCSB was under the control of its foreign allies, saying that "the GCSB's actions have been and remain entirely consistent with, and subordinate to, the policies and interests of the New Zealand Government of the day". It defended New Zealand's connection with these foreign agencies, stating that "New Zealand enjoys immense benefits from its membership of this long-standing partnership", and similarly rejected allegations that the GCSB failed to keep the government properly about of its operations.
World War II
World War II, or the Second World War , was a global conflict lasting from 1939 to 1945, involving most of the world's nations—including all of the great powers—eventually forming two opposing military alliances: the Allies and the Axis...
. At present, New Zealand
New Zealand
New Zealand is an island country in the south-western Pacific Ocean comprising two main landmasses and numerous smaller islands. The country is situated some east of Australia across the Tasman Sea, and roughly south of the Pacific island nations of New Caledonia, Fiji, and Tonga...
's intelligence community has approximately 500 employees, and has a combined budget of around NZ$80 million.
Standalone agencies
- The Security Intelligence ServiceNew Zealand Security Intelligence ServiceThe New Zealand Security Intelligence Service is an intelligence agency of the New Zealand government.-Purpose:As a civilian organisation, the Security Intelligence Service takes no part in the enforcement of security...
(SIS) is responsible for advising the government on matters relating New Zealand's national security and interests, being charged with detecting espionage, terrorism, and subversion directed against New Zealand, and with gathering information about any activities by foreign governments or individuals which might affect New Zealand. It has the highest public profile of New Zealand's intelligence organisations, although it is smaller than the Government Communications Security Bureau. - The Government Communications Security BureauGovernment Communications Security BureauThe Government Communications Security Bureau is an intelligence agency of the New Zealand government.The mission statement is given as:To contribute to the national security of New Zealand through:...
(GCSB) is based around signals intelligenceSIGINTSignals intelligence is intelligence-gathering by interception of signals, whether between people , whether involving electronic signals not directly used in communication , or combinations of the two...
and other communications espionage. Its main activity is the interception, decryption, and translation of the communications of foreign governments, including both satellite and radio signals. It is responsible for defending the New Zealand government against similar attempts by other countries, and from attempts at electronic eavesdropping.
Police units
Several of these units within the New Zealand PoliceNew Zealand Police
The New Zealand Police is the national police force of New Zealand, responsible for enforcing criminal law, enhancing public safety, maintaining order and keeping the peace throughout New Zealand...
are now part of the Organised and Financial Crime Agency of New Zealand.
- The Organised Crime Intelligence Unit (OCIU) is part of the Organised and Financial Crime Agency of New Zealand, responsible for collecting and analysing intelligence in relation to gangs and organised criminal groups operating in New Zealand. It works closely with the Criminal Investigation Branch and the Asian Crime Squad.
- The Financial Intelligence Unit (FIU) is based in Wellington, and collects information on suspicious financial transaction reports that come from banks and other financial institutions. The FIU also monitors large amounts of cash crossing New Zealand's borders, and supports investigations into money laundering. It is part of the Organised and Financial Crime Agency of New Zealand.
- The Strategic Intelligence Unit (SIU) was created to increase New Zealand's capability and understanding of the domestic and international security environment. The unit will provide strategic and tactical intelligence on terrorism. It will also provide intelligence on complex national and transnational criminal activities that potentially impact the national security of New Zealand and other countries. These activities include people smuggling, identity document fraud and money laundering. It is part of the Organised and Financial Crime Agency of New Zealand.
- The National Drug Intelligence Bureau (NDIB) is a joint agency that includes the New Zealand PoliceNew Zealand PoliceThe New Zealand Police is the national police force of New Zealand, responsible for enforcing criminal law, enhancing public safety, maintaining order and keeping the peace throughout New Zealand...
, New Zealand Customs ServiceNew Zealand Customs ServiceThe Customs Service is a state sector organisation of New Zealand whose role is to provide border control and protect the community from potential risks arising from international trade and travel, as well as collecting duties and taxes on imports to the country. New Zealand's Minister of Customs...
, and the Ministry of Health. The mission of the NDIB is to provide authoritative intelligence and advice on illicit and other drugs in order to reduce harm through the prevention and reduction in supply and demand. The NDIB records illicit drug seizures and conducts analysis on:- drug importation and manufacturing in New Zealand
- drug trafficking, supply and distribution by organised crime groups and individuals.
- The National Bureau of Criminal Intelligence (NBCI) is primarily responsible for the provision of tactical and strategic intelligence services at a national level; the maintenance of national criminal intelligence on target groups and activities; the dissemination of intelligence to New Zealand Police and other agencies; the maintenance of a 24-hour tactical crime intelligence response; and the maintenance of suspicious transaction reporting and money laundering reporting.
- The Identity Intelligence Unit has set up a number of business relationships within both the public and private sector. One of its key goals is to accurately measure the nature and extent of identity crime in New Zealand. Other work has been carried out to aid in detecting, prosecuting, and preventing identity crime.
- The Threat Assessment Unit (TAU) is responsible for a range of areas, including the collection, collation, analysis and dissemination of intelligence on activist groups and potential threats nationally and internationally; analysis of threats to visiting government officials and preparation of assessments; analysis of threats to New Zealand government officials and preparation of assessments; analysis of threats to New Zealand politicians and preparation of assessments; maintaining "Project Topaz" for threats against investigative staff; management of dossiers on activist groups and persons; and responding to counter-terrorist threats or situations.
- The Police Terrorism Investigation and Intelligence Group (PTIIG) was formed in 2002, and put 26 staff in New Zealand's airports to investigate and collection intelligence on terrorist activities.
- The Special Investigation GroupSpecial Investigation GroupThe Special Investigation Group is a New Zealand government group formed after 11 September 2001 to focus on threats to national security.- History :...
(SIG) was formed after the 11 September 2001 attacks to focus on threats to national security.
Other organisations
- The External Assessments BureauExternal Assessments BureauThe National Assessments Bureau is one of New Zealand's intelligence agencies. It was formerly known as the External Assessments Bureau when it was renamed as its current status in 2010...
(EAB) is responsible for collating and analysing information on foreign countries. This information is gathered from a number of sources, both public and secret — some of its work is simply the collection and interpretation of widely-available material, while other parts of its work draw on reports by diplomats and by other intelligence agencies. The bureau is part of the Department of the Prime Minister and CabinetDepartment of the Prime Minister and Cabinet (New Zealand)The Department of the Prime Minister and Cabinet of New Zealand is the department charged with supporting the Prime Minister of New Zealand and their Cabinet...
.
- The Domestic and External Security Group (DESG) deals with national security threats that affect New Zealand and its interests, both onshore and offshore. It coordinates the activities of central government agencies in preparing for and responding to security crises, emergencies and natural disasters. DESG is part of the Department of the Prime Minister and CabinetDepartment of the Prime Minister and Cabinet (New Zealand)The Department of the Prime Minister and Cabinet of New Zealand is the department charged with supporting the Prime Minister of New Zealand and their Cabinet...
.
- The Directorate of Defence Intelligence and Security (DDIS) is part of the New Zealand Defence ForceNew Zealand Defence ForceThe New Zealand Defence Force consists of three services: the Royal New Zealand Navy; the New Zealand Army; and the Royal New Zealand Air Force. The Commander-in-Chief of the NZDF is His Excellency Rt. Hon...
, and is responsible for military intelligenceMilitary intelligenceMilitary intelligence is a military discipline that exploits a number of information collection and analysis approaches to provide guidance and direction to commanders in support of their decisions....
. This includes both specific intelligence for use at the operational level and broad assessments of the military capabilities and intentions of other countries. It is also responsible for administering security clearances within the military, and for supervising the security of sensitive military property. - The Joint Geospatial Support Facility (JGSF) is also part of the Defence Force. It is responsible for geospatial intelligenceGEOINTGeospatial intelligence, GEOINT , GeoIntel , or GSI has no universally accepted definition and it has been said that if you "ask 10 people to define 'geospatial intelligence,' and you are likely to get 10 different answers."-Official definition:The...
, providing the military with geographic and mapping data. It also has a non-military role, providing hydrographicHydrographyHydrography is the measurement of the depths, the tides and currents of a body of water and establishment of the sea, river or lake bed topography and morphology. Normally and historically for the purpose of charting a body of water for the safe navigation of shipping...
services to the public. Its military functions are directed by the DDIS, although it is organisationally independent of it.
Budgets and staff
| Organisation | Approximate budget | Approximate staff |
|---|---|---|
| Government Communications Security Bureau | NZ$41.3m | 300 |
| Security Intelligence Service | NZ$43.5m | 144 |
| External Assessments Bureau | NZ$3.1m | 30 |
| Directorate of Defence Intelligence and Security | NZ$1.8m? | 32 |
(Budget figures from Treasury estimates in the 2006 Budget; staff figures from individual websites or from Securing our Nation's Safety, a December 2000 report by the DPMC)
Ministerial responsibility
The Security Intelligence Service and the Government Communications Security Bureau, being considered government departments in their own right, each have a MinisterMinisters of the New Zealand Government
Ministers, in the New Zealand government, are Members of Parliament who hold ministerial warrants from the Crown to perform certain functions of government...
responsible for them. By tradition, the Prime Minister
Prime Minister of New Zealand
The Prime Minister of New Zealand is New Zealand's head of government consequent on being the leader of the party or coalition with majority support in the Parliament of New Zealand...
takes both these portfolios directly. The External Assessments Bureau, as part of the Department of the Prime Minister and Cabinet, is also under the Prime Minister's supervision — directly with regard to its intelligence functions, and indirectly (through the head of the department) for administrative purposes. The Directorate of Defence Intelligence and Security and the Joint Geospatial Support Facility are the only ones not under the effective control of the Prime Minister — as part of the Defence Force they are subordinate to the Minister of Defence
Minister of Defence (New Zealand)
The Minister of Defence is a minister in the government of New Zealand with responsibility for the New Zealand armed forces and the Ministry of Defence.The present Minister is Dr...
.
Parliamentary scrutiny
The Intelligence and Security Committee is a committee of the New Zealand Parliament, although it differs from an ordinary Select Committee in that it is established directly by legislation. It consists of the Prime Minister, the Leader of the OppositionLeader of the Opposition (New Zealand)
The Leader of the Opposition in New Zealand is the politician who, at least in theory, commands the support of the non-government bloc of members in the New Zealand Parliament. In the debating chamber the Leader of the Opposition sits directly opposite the Prime Minister...
, two further MPs nominated by the Prime Minister, and one further MP nominated by the Leader of the Opposition. The committee meets much more rarely than ordinary Select Committees, however — according to some claims, for less than an hour each year.
Inspector-General of Intelligence and Security
The Inspector-General of Intelligence and SecurityInspector-General of Intelligence and Security (New Zealand)
The Inspector-General of Intelligence and Security is a New Zealand official who is responsible for supervising the country's two main intelligence agencies, theSecurity Intelligence Service and the Government Communications Security Bureau...
is a retired judge who is appointed to supervise the Security Intelligence Service and the Government Communications Security Bureau, ensuring that they remain within the law. The Inspector-General presents an annual report to the Prime Minister and the Leader of the Opposition.
Controversy
The operations, the organisation, and indeed, the existence of intelligence agencies in New Zealand has often been a source of controversy. While both major political parties (LabourNew Zealand Labour Party
The New Zealand Labour Party is a New Zealand political party. It describes itself as centre-left and socially progressive and has been one of the two primary parties of New Zealand politics since 1935....
and National
New Zealand National Party
The New Zealand National Party is the largest party in the New Zealand House of Representatives and in November 2008 formed a minority government with support from three minor parties.-Policies:...
) broadly support the current arrangements, there exists a movement which seeks an overhaul of the system, or even the outright abolition of New Zealand's intelligence agencies. The Green Party
Green Party of Aotearoa New Zealand
The Green Party of Aotearoa New Zealand is a political party that has seats in the New Zealand parliament. It focuses firstly on environmentalism, arguing that all other aspects of humanity will cease to be of concern if there is no environment to sustain it...
, for example, aims to abolish the GCSB and possibly the SIS — the functions of the former are deemed unnecessary and undesirable, while the functions of the latter are suggested as better performed by the Police
New Zealand Police
The New Zealand Police is the national police force of New Zealand, responsible for enforcing criminal law, enhancing public safety, maintaining order and keeping the peace throughout New Zealand...
.
New Zealand's intelligence agencies, particularly the SIS, have sometimes been accused of inappropriate activities. The cases of Bill Sutch
Bill Sutch
William Ball Sutch was a New Zealand economist, historian, writer, public servant, and public intellectual. In 1974, he was charged with trying to pass New Zealand Government information to the Soviet Union. He was acquitted....
, Aziz Choudry, and Ahmed Zaoui
Ahmed Zaoui
Ahmed Zaoui is an Algerian member of the Islamic Salvation Front. He arrived in New Zealand on 4 December 2002 where he sought refugee status. Objections from the Security Intelligence Service were withdrawn in September 2007, allowing him to remain in New Zealand.-Pre 1991:Ahmed Zaoui was born as...
, for example, have all prompted claims that the SIS has violated individual rights. The extent to which the agencies are accountable to Parliament and to the public has also been questioned in some quarters. Another common allegation, made by organisations such as the Green Party and the Anti-Bases Campaign
Anti-Bases Campaign
Anti-Bases Campaign is an organisation campaigning to remove foreign military bases and intelligence installations from New Zealand, and to dismantle the Government Communications Security Bureau....
, is that New Zealand's intelligence agencies are subordinated to their partner agencies in other countries, particularly the United States
United States
The United States of America is a federal constitutional republic comprising fifty states and a federal district...
. The Green Party describes the Government Communications Security Bureau as working "for the benefit of American and British interests rather than for the benefit of New Zealand", and the Anti-Bases Campaign calls them "simply outposts of American Intelligence".
Defenders of the intelligence agencies argue that they perform a necessary role, and that (in the words of former Prime Minister Geoffrey Palmer) "a robust legislative framework makes sure these agencies operate within the law". In 2006, the director of the GCSB, Warren Tucker
Warren Tucker
Warren Tucker is a senior New Zealand intelligence officer. He is currently director of the Security Intelligence Service.Tucker was originally an officer in the New Zealand Army, holding the rank of Major...
, took the unprecedented step of publishing a general response to criticisms of his agency. The response, carried by national newspapers, strongly denied accusations that the GCSB was under the control of its foreign allies, saying that "the GCSB's actions have been and remain entirely consistent with, and subordinate to, the policies and interests of the New Zealand Government of the day". It defended New Zealand's connection with these foreign agencies, stating that "New Zealand enjoys immense benefits from its membership of this long-standing partnership", and similarly rejected allegations that the GCSB failed to keep the government properly about of its operations.
External links
- Secret Power, New Zealand's Role in the International Spy Network; Craig Potton Publishing, Nelson, NZ; ISBN 0-908802-35-8; 1996 (Online edition)
- Securing our Nation's Safety, a report by the Department of the Prime Minister and Cabinet.
- Security Intelligence Service
- Government Communications Security Bureau
- External Assessments Bureau (part of DPMC website)
- Anti-Bases Campaign, an organisation opposed to the GCSB