The National Security Policy Directorate provides policy leadership on matters related to national security and intelligence, to work toward a more secure and resilient New Zealand.
This includes long-term planning, policy design, forward-looking examination of emerging trends and issues, and continuous learning and improvement processes.
The National Security Policy Directorate supports the Prime Minister and relevant ministers to progress their objectives and fulfil their responsibilities related to national security, intelligence and security, and cyber security.
The National Security Policy Directorate:
- Leads a strategic approach to coordinate and steward national security policy,
- Leads on legislative frameworks for intelligence and security, and counter-terrorism
- Provides policy coordination and stewardship on national security and resilience
- Supports the Security and Intelligence Board with policy advice
- Represents New Zealand to strengthen international security policy cooperation
The National Security Policy Directorate is comprised of several teams:
- Security and Intelligence Policy: provides national security policy stewardship and advice across the National Security and Intelligence portfolio, including on core and emerging national security issues. SIP administers intelligence and security legislation and is responsible for providing statutory support to the Intelligence and Security Committee and the Prime Minister.
- National Cyber Policy Office: leads the development of cyber security policy advice, including advising on the investment of government resources in cyber security activities.
- Strategy Unit: supports the Security and Intelligence Board’s implementation and governance of the National Security Strategy.
- The RCOI Response team: as kaitiaki of the Royal Commission of Inquiry's 44 recommendations, the RCOI Response Team has a responsibility to ensure the recommendations are being progressed, and that the broader intent of the RCOI is being achieved. Their work includes building and managing coordination platforms between agencies and units delivering the recommendations; making available public engagement tools, guidance and advice for RCOI-related consultation; and facilitating Ministerial oversight of the government's response.
In times of crisis, National Security Policy supports strategic crisis management, by:
- providing briefings and support to the Chief Executive of DPMC and/or the Chairs of Watch Groups and ODESC meetings
- providing policy advice and support to the Prime Minister and portfolio Ministers
- leading cross-agency coordination of policy advice and deliverables.