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Publications ~ Annual Report 2007

Statement of Service Performance
for the year ended 30 June 2007

OUTPUT CLASS 3: INTELLIGENCE ASSESSMENTS ON DEVELOPMENTS OVERSEAS

Description

This class of outputs involves:

• the provision of information and reports on events and trends overseas affecting New Zealand’s interests
  
  
• the collection, collation, evaluation and analysis of information on topics likely to affect New Zealand’s foreign relations and external interests
  
  
• the preparation of intelligence assessments and reports on political, economic, scientific, environmental, strategic, and biographic subjects as required.
  
  

The use of effective planning and co-ordination processes in government can manage the risks of certain adverse events occurring, and can lessen their effect if they do occur. The department is responsible for assessing, monitoring and responding to threats of any kind in a timely and structured way.

 

Output Class 3 Financial Performance

30.06.06		30.06.07	30.06.07
Actual $000		Actual $000	Main Estimates $000	Supplementary Estimates $000
3,097	Revenue - Crown	3,168	3,097	3,168
3,058	Expenditure	3,162	3,097	3,168
39	Surplus	6	-	-

 

Output Class 3
Service Performance – External Assessments Bureau (EAB)

 

Objective

To ensure the effective provision of high-quality, accurate and succinct assessments of overseas developments that are of policy relevance to New Zealand.

Performance

There were no instances where significant factual errors were reported in papers that had already been issued.

In a few instances, readers (particularly in New Zealand diplomatic missions overseas) provided additional information, insights and interpretations subsequent to the publication of papers, especially for biographic reports. (EAB generally seeks such input before publication, as part of its established process of consultation to improve the quality of its assessments.)

Limits on the length of papers continued to be enforced strictly.

Priority was given to work directly related to topics of immediate concern to policy makers.

During the reporting period:

• the National Assessments Committee (NAC) approved 71 (2005/06: 77) papers
• 536 (541) biographical reports were prepared
• 191 (229) other assessments and reports were prepared, including 92 (93) executive intelligence summaries.

 

The fall in reporting volume was caused mainly by an unusually high turnover in EAB’s staff during the year, which meant a consequent dip in staff numbers and in average levels of experience and capability. With the recruitment of new staff during the year, capability is now being re-built.

Biographic reports were delivered to primary customers before the visits and conferences to which the reports related.

Relevant EAB reports were available at the start of Watch Group (close situation monitoring) meetings.

 

Objective

To ensure that the Prime Minister, other senior ministers, and officials are satisfied with the assessments and reports provided.

Performance

Assessments reflected national priorities, and those done in response to specific tasking addressed the topics specified by those who requested them. Substantial positive feedback was received.

At least 90 per cent (2005/06: 90) of assessments submitted to the NAC required no more than minor revision.