Tēnā koe,

Thank you for your Official Information Act request.
We will endeavour to respond to your request as soon as possible and, in any event, no later than 20 working days after the day that your request was received. If we are unable to respond to your request by then, we will notify you of an extension of that timeframe.
If you have any queries, please feel free to contact [NZSIS request email].

Ngā mihi,
NZSIS

-----Original Message-----
From: JR <[FYI request #18950 email]>
Sent: Tuesday, 22 March 2022 2:01 PM
To: OIA Privacy <[NZSIS request email]>
Subject: Official Information request - Any past intelligence documents of anything relating to the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics (USSR).

Tēnā koe New Zealand Security Intelligence Service,

I am requesting any past intelligence documents of anything relating to the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics (USSR).

This especially concerns any reports in 1949 of any prominent security, intelligence or military reporting (including maps). However, I am requesting any documents/reports from 1922 to 1991, where there is any ‘major threat’ that is written in the report.

You may refuse my request under section 6(a) of the OIA, as the release would be detrimental to the security and defence of New Zealand. However as the USSR has fallen I do not believe there is any active threat.

I do note that on your website you hold this documents (see below) -

1919 – 1941 New Zealand Police: security intelligence records
1941 – 1945 Security Intelligence Bureau (established by military; operating under Police control 1943 – 1945): all records
1945 – 1949 New Zealand Police: security intelligence records
1949 – 1956 New Zealand Police Special Branch: most records
1956 – 1969 New Zealand Security Service: all records
1969 to date New Zealand Security Intelligence Service: all records

As per the OIA, by law you need to give your decision on my request as soon as possible and no later than 20 working days after you receive my request (unless an extension is made).

I look forward to hearing from you and your response.

Ngā mihi,

J

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This is an Official Information request made via the FYI website.

Please use this email address for all replies to this request:
[FYI request #18950 email]

Is [NZSIS request email] the wrong address for Official Information requests to New Zealand Security Intelligence Service? If so, please contact us using this form:
https://fyi.org.nz/change_request/new?bo...

Disclaimer: This message and any reply that you make will be published on the internet. Our privacy and copyright policies:
https://fyi.org.nz/help/officers

If you find this service useful as an Official Information officer, please ask your web manager to link to us from your organisation's OIA or LGOIMA page.

-------------------------------------------------------------------

This electronic message, together with any attachments, contains information that is provided in confidence and may be subject to legal privilege.
Any classification markings must be adhered to. If you are not the intended recipient, you must not peruse, disclose, disseminate, copy or use the message in
any way. If you have received this message in error, please notify us immediately by return email and then destroy the original message.
The New Zealand Intelligence Community (NZIC) and the departments comprising the NZIC accepts no responsibility for changes to this e-mail, or to any attachments, after its transmission
from NZIC. This communication may be accessed or retained for information assurance purposes. Thank you.

hide quoted sections

Tēnā koe JR

You have requested any past intelligence documents of anything relating to the USSR. "This especially concerns any reports in 1949 of any prominent security, intelligence or military reporting (including maps). However, I am requesting any documents/reports from 1922 to 1991, where there is any ‘major threat’ that is written in the report."

By way of background, the information held by the NZSIS relates to national security, defined for the majority of the period of interest to you, as the protection of New Zealand from acts of espionage, sabotage, subversion and terrorism. There is no military reporting.

The amount of research required to locate any document pertaining to the USSR that may include the words "major threat" is such that as currently framed, your request is likely to be declined under the provisions of section 18(f) of the OIA. Before refusing however, we are inviting you to specify your request with due particularity (see s 12(2) of the OIA), in terms of subject and timeframe.

Ngā mihi
NZSIS

-----Original Message-----
From: JR <[FOI #18950 email]>
Sent: Tuesday, 22 March 2022 2:01 PM
To: OIA Privacy <[NZSIS request email]>
Subject: Official Information request - Any past intelligence documents of anything relating to the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics (USSR).

Tēnā koe New Zealand Security Intelligence Service,

I am requesting any past intelligence documents of anything relating to the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics (USSR).

This especially concerns any reports in 1949 of any prominent security, intelligence or military reporting (including maps). However, I am requesting any documents/reports from 1922 to 1991, where there is any ‘major threat’ that is written in the report.

You may refuse my request under section 6(a) of the OIA, as the release would be detrimental to the security and defence of New Zealand. However as the USSR has fallen I do not believe there is any active threat.

I do note that on your website you hold this documents (see below) -

1919 – 1941 New Zealand Police: security intelligence records
1941 – 1945 Security Intelligence Bureau (established by military; operating under Police control 1943 – 1945): all records
1945 – 1949 New Zealand Police: security intelligence records
1949 – 1956 New Zealand Police Special Branch: most records
1956 – 1969 New Zealand Security Service: all records
1969 to date New Zealand Security Intelligence Service: all records

As per the OIA, by law you need to give your decision on my request as soon as possible and no later than 20 working days after you receive my request (unless an extension is made).

I look forward to hearing from you and your response.

Ngā mihi,

J

-------------------------------------------------------------------

This is an Official Information request made via the FYI website.

Please use this email address for all replies to this request:
[FOI #18950 email]

Is [NZSIS request email] the wrong address for Official Information requests to New Zealand Security Intelligence Service? If so, please contact us using this form:
https://fyi.org.nz/change_request/new?bo...

Disclaimer: This message and any reply that you make will be published on the internet. Our privacy and copyright policies:
https://fyi.org.nz/help/officers

If you find this service useful as an Official Information officer, please ask your web manager to link to us from your organisation's OIA or LGOIMA page.

-------------------------------------------------------------------

This electronic message, together with any attachments, contains information that is provided in confidence and may be subject to legal privilege.
Any classification markings must be adhered to. If you are not the intended recipient, you must not peruse, disclose, disseminate, copy or use the message in
any way. If you have received this message in error, please notify us immediately by return email and then destroy the original message.
The New Zealand Intelligence Community (NZIC) and the departments comprising the NZIC accepts no responsibility for changes to this e-mail, or to any attachments, after its transmission
from NZIC. This communication may be accessed or retained for information assurance purposes. Thank you.

hide quoted sections

Kia ora JR

 

Thank you for amending your request; the amended wording should be
sufficient to enable us to identify relevant information in-scope. We
understand your request to be for: any intelligence documents pertaining
to the USSR and security threats to New Zealand, within 10 days of the
following dates:

·        30 March 1948

·        13 August 1961

·        9 November 1989

 

If we have interpreted this incorrectly, please let us know.

 

The new deadline for your request is 29 April 2022, being twenty working
days after the amendment of your request.

 

Kind regards

NZSIS

 

-----Original Message-----
From: JR <[FYI request #18950 email]>
Sent: Tuesday, 29 March 2022 10:36 AM
To: OIA Privacy <[NZSIS request email]>
Subject: RE: Official Information request - Any past intelligence
documents of anything relating to the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics
(USSR).

 

Tēnā koe NZSIS,

 

Thanks for your response.

 

I am requesting information pertaining to the USSR and any security
threats to NZ. I understand that there would be a delay in an intelligence
assessment on the selected dates. It would be ideal to have the
intelligence documents from around 5-10 days of either side of the dates I
am concerned with. 

 

The dates I am concerned with are below -

 

30 March 1948 (I want anything within 5-10 days of this date) if it is
readily able to be accessed.

13 August 1961 (construction of the Berlin wall).

9 November 1989 (Berlin wall fell).

 

Ngā mihi,

 

J

 

-----Original Message-----

 

Tēnā koe JR

 

You have requested any past intelligence documents of anything relating to
the USSR. "This especially concerns any reports in 1949 of any prominent
security, intelligence or military reporting (including maps). However, I
am requesting any documents/reports from 1922 to 1991, where there is any
‘major threat’ that is written in the report."

 

By way of background, the information held by the NZSIS relates to
national security, defined for the majority of the period of interest to
you, as the protection of New Zealand from acts of espionage, sabotage,
subversion and terrorism. There is no military reporting.

 

The amount of research required to locate any document pertaining to the
USSR that may include the words "major threat" is such that as currently
framed, your request is likely to be declined under the provisions of
section 18(f) of the OIA. Before refusing however, we are inviting you to
specify your request with due particularity (see s 12(2) of the OIA), in
terms of subject and timeframe.

 

Ngā mihi

NZSIS

 

-------------------------------------------------------------------

Please use this email address for all replies to this request:

[1][FYI request #18950 email]

 

Disclaimer: This message and any reply that you make will be published on
the internet. Our privacy and copyright policies:

[2]https://fyi.org.nz/help/officers

 

If you find this service useful as an Official Information officer, please
ask your web manager to link to us from your organisation's OIA or LGOIMA
page.

 

-------------------------------------------------------------------

 

--------------------------------------------------------------------------

This electronic message, together with any attachments, contains
information that is provided in confidence and may be subject to legal
privilege. Any classification markings must be adhered to. If you are not
the intended recipient, you must not peruse, disclose, disseminate, copy
or use the message in any way. If you have received this message in error,
please notify us immediately by return email and then destroy the original
message.  The New Zealand Intelligence Community (NZIC) and the
departments comprising the NZIC accepts no responsibility for changes to
this e-mail, or to any attachments, after its transmission from NZIC. This
communication may be accessed or retained for information assurance
purposes. Thank you.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------

References

Visible links
1. mailto:[FYI request #18950 email]
2. https://fyi.org.nz/help/officers

hide quoted sections

Hello JR

We refer to your clarified official information request as outlined below.

The Official Information Act 1982 requires that we advise you of our decision on your request no later than 20 working days after the day that we received your request. Unfortunately, it will not be possible to meet that time limit and we are, therefore, writing to notify you of an extension of the time to make our decision, to 13 May 2022.

This extension is necessary because consultations necessary to make a decision on your request are such that a proper response cannot reasonably be made within the original time limit.

You have the right to seek an investigation and review by the Ombudsman of this decision. Information about how to make a complaint is available at www.ombudsman.parliament.nz or freephone 0800 802 602.

Kind regards
NZSIS

-----Original Message-----
From: JR <[FOI #18950 email]>
Sent: Tuesday, 29 March 2022 10:36 AM
To: OIA Privacy <[NZSIS request email]>
Subject: RE: Official Information request - Any past intelligence documents of anything relating to the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics (USSR).

Tēnā koe NZSIS,

Thanks for your response.

I am requesting information pertaining to the USSR and any security threats to NZ. I understand that there would be a delay in an intelligence assessment on the selected dates. It would be ideal to have the intelligence documents from around 5-10 days of either side of the dates I am concerned with.

The dates I am concerned with are below -

30 March 1948 (I want anything within 5-10 days of this date) if it is readily able to be accessed.
13 August 1961 (construction of the Berlin wall).
9 November 1989 (Berlin wall fell).

Ngā mihi,

J

-----Original Message-----

Tēnā koe JR

You have requested any past intelligence documents of anything relating to the USSR. "This especially concerns any reports in 1949 of any prominent security, intelligence or military reporting (including maps). However, I am requesting any documents/reports from 1922 to 1991, where there is any ‘major threat’ that is written in the report."

By way of background, the information held by the NZSIS relates to national security, defined for the majority of the period of interest to you, as the protection of New Zealand from acts of espionage, sabotage, subversion and terrorism. There is no military reporting.

The amount of research required to locate any document pertaining to the USSR that may include the words "major threat" is such that as currently framed, your request is likely to be declined under the provisions of section 18(f) of the OIA. Before refusing however, we are inviting you to specify your request with due particularity (see s 12(2) of the OIA), in terms of subject and timeframe.

Ngā mihi
NZSIS

-------------------------------------------------------------------
Please use this email address for all replies to this request:
[FOI #18950 email]

Disclaimer: This message and any reply that you make will be published on the internet. Our privacy and copyright policies:
https://fyi.org.nz/help/officers

If you find this service useful as an Official Information officer, please ask your web manager to link to us from your organisation's OIA or LGOIMA page.

-------------------------------------------------------------------

This electronic message, together with any attachments, contains information that is provided in confidence and may be subject to legal privilege.
Any classification markings must be adhered to. If you are not the intended recipient, you must not peruse, disclose, disseminate, copy or use the message in
any way. If you have received this message in error, please notify us immediately by return email and then destroy the original message.
The New Zealand Intelligence Community (NZIC) and the departments comprising the NZIC accepts no responsibility for changes to this e-mail, or to any attachments, after its transmission
from NZIC. This communication may be accessed or retained for information assurance purposes. Thank you.

hide quoted sections

Tēnā koe JR

The Director-General's response to your OIA request is attached.

Ngā mihi
NZSIS

-----Original Message-----
From: JR <[FOI #18950 email]>
Sent: Tuesday, 29 March 2022 10:36 AM
To: OIA Privacy <[NZSIS request email]>
Subject: RE: Official Information request - Any past intelligence documents of anything relating to the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics (USSR).

Tēnā koe NZSIS,

Thanks for your response.

I am requesting information pertaining to the USSR and any security threats to NZ. I understand that there would be a delay in an intelligence assessment on the selected dates. It would be ideal to have the intelligence documents from around 5-10 days of either side of the dates I am concerned with.

The dates I am concerned with are below -

30 March 1948 (I want anything within 5-10 days of this date) if it is readily able to be accessed.
13 August 1961 (construction of the Berlin wall).
9 November 1989 (Berlin wall fell).

Ngā mihi,

J

-----Original Message-----

Tēnā koe JR

You have requested any past intelligence documents of anything relating to the USSR. "This especially concerns any reports in 1949 of any prominent security, intelligence or military reporting (including maps). However, I am requesting any documents/reports from 1922 to 1991, where there is any ‘major threat’ that is written in the report."

By way of background, the information held by the NZSIS relates to national security, defined for the majority of the period of interest to you, as the protection of New Zealand from acts of espionage, sabotage, subversion and terrorism. There is no military reporting.

The amount of research required to locate any document pertaining to the USSR that may include the words "major threat" is such that as currently framed, your request is likely to be declined under the provisions of section 18(f) of the OIA. Before refusing however, we are inviting you to specify your request with due particularity (see s 12(2) of the OIA), in terms of subject and timeframe.

Ngā mihi
NZSIS

-------------------------------------------------------------------
Please use this email address for all replies to this request:
[FOI #18950 email]

Disclaimer: This message and any reply that you make will be published on the internet. Our privacy and copyright policies:
https://fyi.org.nz/help/officers

If you find this service useful as an Official Information officer, please ask your web manager to link to us from your organisation's OIA or LGOIMA page.

-------------------------------------------------------------------

This electronic message, together with any attachments, contains information that is provided in confidence and may be subject to legal privilege.
Any classification markings must be adhered to. If you are not the intended recipient, you must not peruse, disclose, disseminate, copy or use the message in
any way. If you have received this message in error, please notify us immediately by return email and then destroy the original message.
The New Zealand Intelligence Community (NZIC) and the departments comprising the NZIC accepts no responsibility for changes to this e-mail, or to any attachments, after its transmission
from NZIC. This communication may be accessed or retained for information assurance purposes. Thank you.

hide quoted sections