Note: This site's content is accessible to all versions of every browser. However, this browser may not support basic Web standards, preventing the display of our site's design details. We support the mission of the Web Standards Project in the campaign encouraging users to upgrade their browsers.
 |
| The Prime Minister of New Zealand, The Rt Hon Helen Clark |
The Prime Minister of New Zealand, The Rt Hon Helen Clark
Two of the most important responsibilities of any government are to protect the nation's sovereignty and the security of its citizens.
A number of organisations contribute directly to New Zealand's security, including the New Zealand Police, the New Zealand Defence Force, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade, and the country's security and intelligence agencies. Much is known about the roles of the New Zealand Police, our Defence Force and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade. Less is known or understood about the agencies responsible for the collection and analysis of intelligence.
The fact that these agencies deal in secret information has led them to be secretive about their activities. That degree of secrecy is not always necessary. In the absence of information, people wonder about the need for the agencies in the first place, and about the checks in place to ensure the rights and privacy of New Zealanders are protected.
This provides information about these agencies. Its publication coincides with the introduction into Parliament of a Bill which defines the functions of the Government Communications Security Bureau and provides a legislative framework for its administration and the conduct of its operational activities.
Finally, this foreword provides me with an opportunity to acknowledge publicly the work of the staff of the New Zealand Security Intelligence Service, the Government Communications Security Bureau, the External Assessments Bureau and the Directorate of Defence Intelligence and Security.
Helen Clark
PRIME MINISTER