NZSIS welcomes the IGIS’s inquiry report into a warning

The New Zealand Security Intelligence Service (NZSIS) welcomes the Inspector-General of Intelligence and Security’s inquiry report into a warning delivered to a New Zealand citizen who was assessed to be carrying out foreign interference on behalf of another state.
 
The NZSIS works to detect, defend against and counter the threats posed by foreign intelligence services to Aotearoa New Zealand. This work includes understanding, investigating, and assessing the espionage and interference activities of foreign states, and the people working on their behalf. Issuing warnings to those who are undertaking espionage or foreign interference activities is an important and effective operational method used by the NZSIS, and careful consideration is always given when deciding to give such a warning.
 
The Inspector-General found everything we did in this case was proportionate and in line with our legislative mandate, but made some recommendations around how we plan and deliver warnings. This includes how we consult with other government agencies, the development of a formal operating policy with New Zealand Police, as well as updating our operational policy, and publishing more information about warnings on the NZSIS website. As the Inspector-General notes, the issue of warnings is a complex area and all recommendations by an oversight body are valuable in helping the NZSIS continuously improve operations.