The Taumaru Report, a comprehensive review into New Zealand's national security system was released in late May. The report is a review into New Zealand's intelligence and security laws required by the Intelligence and Security Act in 2017.
The report reflects on progress since the 2016 review of earlier legislation governing the Government Communications Security Bureau (GCSB) and the New Zealand Security Intelligence Service (NZSIS) by Hon Sir Michael Cullen, KNZM and Dame Patsy Reddy, DNZM). That 2016 review ultimately led to the enactment of the Intelligence and Security Act (ISA).
The newly released 2023 report criticises the intelligence agencies for a lack of transparency of activities, and expressed concern about the effectiveness of oversight mechanisms, adequate reflection of NZ’s multi-cultural society and legislative gaps.
The reviewers, Hon Sir Terence Arnold KNZM KC and Matanuku Mahuika, make three major recommendations: for a definition of “protection of national security” to be included in the Intelligence and Security Act; to remove a distinction between Type 1 warrants (for New Zealand citizens and permanent residents) and Type 2 warrants (non-New Zealanders); and to reform Parliament’s Intelligence and Security Committee so that it is more in line with current global best practice.
The report includes analysis of the impact of digitisation, identity and security, and what a free, open and democratic New Zealand looks like today. Legislation and the intelligence and security agencies must sit firmly within that setting. The report is available on Parliament’s website. Taumaru: Protecting Aotearoa New Zealand as a Free, Open and Democratic Society, Review of the Intelligence and Security Act 2017, 31 January 2023
