“ODESC” is the overall phrase used to describe the formal structure of senior officials which manages national security in New Zealand in both its governance and its response modes.
ODESC is also the name for the committee of Chief Executives which, during an emerging or actual security event, is responsible for providing strategic direction and coordinating the all-of-government response.
ODESC advises and reports to the Cabinet External Relations and Security Committee.
The ODESC governance boards are the Security and Intelligence Board and the Hazard Risk Board.
DPMC’s National Security Systems directorate provides the secretariat for the ODESC governance boards.
Security and Intelligence Board
The purpose of the Security and Intelligence Board (SIB) is to build a high performing, cohesive and effective security and intelligence sector through appropriate governance, alignment and prioritisation of investment, policy and activity.
It focuses on external threats and intelligence issues.
SIB is chaired by DPMC’s Deputy Chief Executive, National Security. Membership includes:
- Department of the Prime Minister and Cabinet
- Government Communications Security Bureau
- Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment
- Ministry of Defence
- Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade
- New Zealand Customs Service
- New Zealand Defence Force
- New Zealand Police
-
New Zealand Security Intelligence Service
Other Chief Executives or officials may be invited by the Chair to attend SIB meetings if required.
Examples of items recently considered by the SIB
- Counter-terrorism
- Cyber security
- National Security Workforce
Hazard Risk Board
The purpose of the Hazard Risk Board (HRB) is to build a high performing and resilient National Security System able to manage civil contingencies and hazard risks through appropriate governance, alignment, and prioritisation of investment, policy and activity.
The HRB is chaired by the Deputy Chief Executive, National Security of the Department of the Prime Minister and Cabinet. HRB membership includes Chief Executives (or their alternates) of:
- Department of the Prime Minister and Cabinet
- Department of Internal Affairs
- Fire and Emergency New Zealand
- Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment
- Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade
- Ministry for the Environment
- Ministry of Health
- Ministry for Primary Industries
- Ministry of Transport
- New Zealand Defence Force
- New Zealand Police
- National Emergency Management Agency
- Prime Minister's Chief Science Advisor
Examples of items recently considered by the HRB
- Water security
- National Seismic Hazard Model
- Coordinated Incident Management System
- Business continuity planning
- Enabling effective oversight of the National Security System capability, including professional development and exercising