New Zealand
Security Intelligence Service
PO Box 900, Wellington
P +64 4 472 6170
F +64 4 472 8209
www.nzsis.govt.nz
DMS42-6-9181
4 August 2022
Chantelle
[FYI request #19464 email]
Tēnā koe Chantelle,
Official information request
Thank you for your Official Information Act 1982 (OIA) request of 25 May 2022 seeking
correspondence between New Zealand Security Intelligence Service (NZSIS) and the
Department of Prime Minister and Cabinet (DPMC), or the Human Rights Commission (HRC)
between February 10 and March 10 2022 containing the word ‘protest’.
Emails with DPMC
During that time period, NZSIS sent and received exactly 45 emails with the word ‘protest’
from DPMC. I have decided to withhold all the emails under section 6(a) of the OIA as release
could prejudice the security or defence of New Zealand or the international relations of the
government of New Zealand.
The emails covered a variety of topics. About two thirds of them directly referred to the
protest activity at Parliament which occurred during this period. I am withholding these
emails as they relate to security advice and other information regarding the disruption
caused to NZSIS staff who were working near the protest site in our Wellington headquarters
building. To release these would impair our ability to work during any future disruptions of
this nature, so I must withhold them to avoid prejudice to the security or defence of New
Zealand.
The remaining third used the term ‘protest’ but not in relation to the activities at Parliament.
I am withholding these emails as making the information available would likely to prejudice
the security or defence of New Zealand or the international relations of the Government of
New Zealand.
CTAG reporting on protest activity at Parliament
While I am not releasing any emails to you, I have decided to release a CTAG report. Some
information in the report is withheld under section 6(a) of the OIA, as some of the contents
could prejudice the security or defence of New Zealand.
Please find attached CTAG report 22-37-TI:
PMVE reactions to Wel ington protest clearance.
Emails with HRC
During the time period, NZSIS and HRC did not send any emails directly to each other. As
neither the NZSIS nor HRC emailed each other, there are no documents to provide you so I
must refuse your request under section 18(e) OIA, as the information does not exist.
Review
If you wish to discuss this decision with us, please feel free to contact
[NZSIS request email]. 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.
Ngā mihi,
Rebecca Kitteridge
Te Tumu Whakarae mō Te Pā Whakamarumaru
Director-General of Security
