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Why did we need new legislation?
PageLegislation passed in 2013 included a requirement for periodic reviews of the intelligence and security agencies. In March 2016, Sir Michael Cullen and Dame Patsy Reddy presented the First Independent Review of Intelligence and Security to Parliament....
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Defining national security
PageThe protection of New Zealand’s national security is one of 3 core objectives of our security and intelligence agencies. But what exactly is ‘national security’? It’s a difficult concept to define as it needs to be able to respond to different...
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Bringing the agencies further into the public service
PageWhat the New Zealand Intelligence and Security Act 2017 does Establishes the New Zealand Security Intelligence Service (NZSIS) as a government department and applies relevant provisions of the State Sector Act 1988. The Government Communications...
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Powers and warrants
PageIntelligence agencies have capabilities that are intrusive and can impact on an individual’s privacy and human rights. The Government Communications Security Bureau (GCSB) and New Zealand Security Intelligence Service (NZSIS) must obtain an...
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Activities allowed under intelligence warrants
PageWhile the Act provides for a single authorisation regime for the New Zealand Security Intelligence Service (NZSIS) and Government Communications Security Bureau (GCSB), different powers are available to each agency under the Act. This reflects the fact...
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Protections for New Zealanders
PageA new authorisation regime for warrants What the Act does Provides that both agencies must obtain a Type 1 intelligence warrant for activities targeting New Zealanders which would otherwise be unlawful. Creates a ‘triple lock’ system to protect New...
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Strengthening oversight of NZSIS and GCSB
PageEnsuring the agencies operate legally and properly and are held to account What the Intelligence and Security Act 2017 does Increases the membership of the Parliamentary Intelligence and Security Committee (ISC) to between 5 and 7 members. Requires...
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Whistleblowing and protecting classified information
PageProtected disclosures and offences for unauthorised disclosures What the Act does Consolidates, simplifies, and strengthens the existing offences related to unauthorised disclosure. Clarifies that protected disclosures regarding classified...
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Cover and immunities
PageNew Zealand Security Intelligence Service (NZSIS) and Government Communications Security Bureau (GCSB) employees need to have the ability to acquire, use and maintain any identity information necessary to maintain the covert nature of their work and keep...
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Sharing information
PageIn order to support New Zealand’s national security, the Government Communications Security Bureau (GCSB) andNew Zealand Security Intelligence Service(NZSIS) need to access information held by public and private sector organisations and individuals...
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Domestic information sharing
PageImproving information sharing between NZSIS and GCSB and others. What the Act does Gives the Government Communications Security Bureau (GCSB) and New Zealand Security Intelligence Service (NZSIS) direct access to certain government databases. Allows...
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Arrangements with foreign partners
PageThe sharing of information, technology and expertise with other countries. What the Act does Makes it clear that sharing information with other countries must be in accordance with New Zealand law and human rights obligations and in accordance with...
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The National Assessments Bureau
PageThe National Assessments Bureau is New Zealand's lead agency for intelligence assessment. What the New Zealand Intelligence and Security Act 2017 does Sets out the role of the National Assessments Bureau (NAB) in legislation for the first time. NAB...
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Case studies
PageIn this section are some examples of how the New Zealand Security Intelligence Service (NZSIS) and Government Communications Security Bureau (GCSB) have used intelligence to keep New Zealand safe from espionage, terrorist activity, and cyber threats.
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Investigating a suspected terrorist
PageThis is a declassified case study on how the New Zealand Security Intelligence Service (NZSIS) conducts a security intelligence investigation. Step 1: The initial lead The NZSIS is notified of a new threat. The source could be a foreign liaison partner...
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Counter-espionage
PageEspionage is the attempt to obtain secret or confidential information by covert means. Espionage often targets sensitive political and military information and is increasingly directed at economic and commercial information as well. Espionage has been...
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Cyber security in action
PageThe cyber threat The internet has enriched the lives of New Zealanders but it has also increased our vulnerability. People with malicious intent now target New Zealand from afar through the same communications infrastructure that New Zealanders,...
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Resources
PageCabinet papers, and the Regulatory Impact Statement, for the Intelligence and Security Act 2017. Cabinet papers Cabinet Paper 1 - Overview and key issues. CABINET PAPER 1pdf794.92 KB Cabinet Paper 2 - Warranting and authorisation framework...
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What is intelligence?
PageSimply put, intelligence is information which is collected, brought together, assessed and then used to make decisions. The phrase 'intelligence' is commonly used to refer to the work of intelligence and security agencies. Why do we need it? Like all...
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The authorisation framework
PageThe Act provides for a single authorisation regime for the New Zealand Security Intelligence Service (NZSIS) and Government Communications Security Bureau (GCSB). The regime consolidates and clarifies the powers of the NZSIS and GCSB. When is an...
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Cover and assumed identity arrangements
PageEnsuring identities are kept secret What the Act does Consolidates existing measures enabling the New Zealand Security Intelligence Service (NZSIS) and the Government Communications Security Bureau (GCSB) to acquire, use and maintain ‘assumed...
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Immunities from legal liabilities
PageProvisions for employees of NZSIS, GCSB and those assisting them What the Act does Creates a single immunities framework for both the New Zealand Security Intelligence Service (NZSIS) and Government Communications Security Bureau (GCSB). NZSIS...
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Introduction of SPECIAL HANDLING REQUIRED Endorsement
Publication or ResourceIssue date: 19 May 2011Addition to “Security in the Government Sector” - Introduction of SPECIAL HANDLING REQUIRED Endorsement Following the 2006 external review by David Henry and subsequent consultation by the Interdepartmental Committee on Security, on 6 August 2007...
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David Henry's review into the security of sensitive information at DPMC
Publication or ResourceIssue date: 20 May 2011Review of DPMC systems and practices in relation to the security of sensitive information Table of contents Executive Summary Introduction This Review Terms of Reference DPMC-Its Role and Functions Protecting and Classifying Official Information...
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Maritime Patrol Review
Publication or ResourceIssue date: 26 May 2011Published by the Domestic and External Security Group Department of the Prime Minister and Cabinet P O Box 55 Wellington February 2001 To obtain a paper copy of the Maritime Patrol Review please contact the Domestic and External Security...
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New Zealand's national security system
Publication or ResourceIssue date: 28 Nov 2011One of the most important responsibilities of any government is to ensure the security and territorial integrity of the nation, including protecting the institutions that sustain confidence, good governance, and prosperity. This document has been...
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New Zealand's Cyber Security Strategy 2011
Publication or ResourceIssue date: 25 Oct 2012 -
Speech notes for New Zealand Information Security Forum: Cybersecurity: Why it matters for New Zealand
Publication or ResourceIssue date: 15 Apr 2013 -
GCSB and Oversight Legislation briefing document
Publication or ResourceIssue date: 17 Apr 2013 -
New Zealand's Cyber Security Strategy
Publication or ResourceIssue date: 10 Dec 2015A refreshed New Zealand Cyber Security Strategy, accompanying Action Plan, and a National Plan to Address Cybercrime, were released on 10 December 2015 and replace New Zealand's 2011 Cyber Security Strategy. This new Strategy signals the Government's...
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New Zealand's Cyber Security Strategy Action Plan Annual Report 2016
Publication or ResourceIssue date: 15 Jun 2017 -
Briefing to the incoming Minister of Communications for Cyber Security Policy (Dec 2016)
Publication or ResourceIssue date: 21 Jun 2017The briefing to incoming Minister of Communications gives an overview of the priorities of the cyber security policy, and identifies some of the more significant issues and opportunities. This briefing was prepared for the incoming Minister of...
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Principles and protocols for managing NZSIS and GCSB engagement on foreign state threats and cyber-security threats to the 2017 election
Publication or ResourceIssue date: 12 Oct 2017There are heightened sensitivities during an election period, which require particular care and restraint. To that end, this document sets out principles and protocols to manage engagement by the New Zealand Security Intelligence Service (NZSIS) and...
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Briefing to the incoming Minister responsible for cyber security policy (Oct 2017)
Publication or ResourceIssue date: 7 Dec 2017The briefing to incoming Minister of Broadcasting, Communications and Digital Media gives an overview of the priorities of the cyber security policy, and identifies some of the more significant issues and opportunities. This briefing was prepared for...
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Refresh of New Zealand's Cyber Security Strategy and Action Plan 2018
Publication or ResourceIssue date: 12 Apr 2018In April 2018, the Department of the Prime Minister and Cabinet (DPMC) released two documents relating to the refresh of New Zealand’s Cyber Security Strategy and Action Plan. External Relations and Security Committee Paper: Refresh of New...
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Securing our nation's safety: How New Zealand manages its security and intelligence agencies
Publication or ResourceIssue date: 1 Dec 2000Those involved with our security and intelligence agencies have, in the past, tended to keep any information about themselves to themselves. In the absence of fact, suspicion flourishes. What do these agencies get up to? Who controls them? Do Ministers...