NZSIS statement: apology regarding historic case

In November 2022, the New Zealand Security Intelligence Service received a complaint in relation to an intelligence investigation undertaken by the NZSIS in the late 1980s and early 1990s. The Inspector-General of Intelligence and Security had previously investigated the matter and concluded that the NZSIS did not disclose information observed during a surveillance operation that indicated a serious crime, albeit the NZSIS did not perceive the full scale or nature of the crime at that time.

Although the Inspector-General was unable to reach a firm conclusion that the NZSIS acted improperly, he found it would have been proper for the information to have been shared. Although not liable to do so, the NZSIS wishes to make amends and apologise to the complainant for not passing on information to the Police in 1990, which may have assisted in Police action.

The NZSIS also wishes to acknowledge the significant impact on the complainant of the offending that had occurred. Since that time new legislation has been enacted and internal guidance prepared to support and enable greater cooperation and information sharing with NZ Police.