NZSIS response to IGIS report

The New Zealand Security Intelligence Service (NZSIS) welcomes the Inspector-General of Intelligence and Security’s (IGIS) inquiry report [PDF, 644 KB](external link) examining complaints raised by an individual who claimed he was unfairly targeted by the NZSIS.

The Inspector-General found that NZSIS had reasonable grounds for investigating this complainant. The NZSIS was found to have acted lawfully and properly, with some minor improvements to process recommended as part of this inquiry. All recommendations by the independent oversight of the IGIS are valuable in helping the NZSIS continuously improve operations.

The NZSIS works to detect, defend against and counter the threats against Aotearoa New Zealand. This work includes understanding, investigating, and assessing the espionage and interference activities of foreign states, which includes establishing best practice for identifying and mitigating insider threats, and working with government agencies to prevent, mitigate, and respond to actual or potential insider threats.

An insider threat, or insider, is any person who exploits, or intends to exploit, their legitimate access to an agency’s assets to harm the security of their agency or New Zealand, either wittingly or unwittingly. NZSIS will continue to deliver against its mandated objectives in order to contribute to the protection of New Zealand’s national security.