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The Domestic & External Security Group (DESG) deals with national security threats that affect New Zealand and its interests, both onshore and offshore. DESG coordinates the activities of central government agencies in preparing for and responding to security crises, emergencies and natural disasters.
DESG is the support secretariat for the Officials Committee for Domestic and External Security Coordination (ODESC). The Cabinet Committee on Domestic & External Security Coordination, chaired by the Prime Minister, makes high-level policy decisions on security and intelligence matters. To support that process, ODESC is the committee of government officials charged with providing strategic policy advice to the Prime Minister on such matters. ODESC exercises policy oversight in the areas of intelligence and security, terrorism, maritime security and emergency preparedness.
ODESC membership comprises Chief Executives from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade, the Defence Force, Ministry of Defence and NZSIS, GCSB, NZ Police, Ministry of Civil Defence & Emergency Management, Treasury and others as and when necessary. The Chief Executive of DPMC (Maarten Wevers) chairs the group.
In the event of a crisis or emergency affecting New Zealand's interests, a watch group is formed of senior officials from appropriate departments to monitor and advise the government on the situation. This advice is provided through ODESC. Examples could include the possible mass arrival of illegal immigrants or civil unrest in countries where New Zealand’s citizens or interests may be at risk. Contingency plans are developed to ensure the safety of New Zealand citizens whose lives may be endangered in countries where disruptions occur. It may be necessary to make arrangements for their evacuation. All manner of developments occur that require rapid response and accurate information. DESG has in the past coordinated the whole of government to respond to events such as the Fiji coups, the September 11 bombings, East Timor and the possibility of conflict between India and Pakistan, to name a few.
The Director is responsible for providing timely, rigorous, relevant and accurate advice to the Prime Minister on issues affecting the security of New Zealand including policy, legislative, operational and budgetary aspects. A key role is to support the Prime Minister in leading a coherent and immediate national response to security crises and emergencies, and ensure the Prime Minister is kept informed of significant issues in these areas.
A key role of DESG is that of intelligence coordination. On behalf of ODESC, and reporting to the Director DESG, the Intelligence Coordinator is responsible for coordinating activities of the intelligence community.
The Coordinator maintains the requirements process for foreign intelligence and monitors performance of the intelligence collection agencies in meeting the specific foreign intelligence requirements of customers and ensuring that resources of the collection agencies are used most effectively in meeting those needs.
DESG also provides support to the Commissioner of Security Warrants, who is a statutory officer under the New Zealand Security Intelligence Service Act 1969. The Commissioner's job is to advise, consider and deliberate with the Minister in Charge of the SIS (normally the Prime Minister) on applications for domestic interception warrants, and to issue those warrants jointly with the Minister in Charge. The Commissioner is appointed by the Governor-General on the recommendation of the Prime Minister following consultation with the Leader of the Opposition.
Documents published by DESG for public release include Securing Our Nations Safety, the Maritime Patrol Review and Security in the Government Sector
Director, Personal Assistant, Executive Officer, Intelligence Coordinator, Policy Advisor x 3