Cabinet Committee on Domestic and External Security (DES)

To co-ordinate and direct the national response to a major crisis or to circumstances affecting national security (such as a natural disaster, biosecurity problem, health emergency, or terrorist/military threat) within New Zealand or involving New Zealand’s interests overseas.

To consider issues of oversight, organisation and priorities for the New Zealand intelligence community and any issues which, because of their security or intelligence implications, the Prime Minister directs be considered by the committee.

To consider policy and other matters relating to domestic and external security co-ordination.

This Cabinet committee will have Power to Act where the need for urgent action and/or operational or security considerations require. Decisions of the committee under power to act will be reported to the next Cabinet meeting as appropriate.