DMS42-6-11520 
 
PO  Box  900,  Wellington  6140 
 
P +64 4 472 6170, F +64 4 472 8209 
www.nzsis.govt.nz 
 
 
 
 
28 July 2023 
 
Muhammad 
[FYI request #23262 email] 
 
Tēnā koe Muhammad, 
Official information request  
On 25 May 2023, you requested information about the National Security Check (NSC) 
process from the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment (MBIE). On 30 June 2023, 
MBIE transferred the following part of your request to the New Zealand Security Intelligence 
Service (NZSIS): 
  When will NZSIS clear the backlog of NSC checks? 
Response 
 
The processing time for NSCs varies across the year, for a number of reasons. The NZSIS 
conducts NSCs in response to Immigration New Zealand’s priorities, which are dynamic and 
change according to circumstances. 
However, for the purpose of national security, we do not disclose information about 
individuals going through the process, or information about the process itself. As such, I 
must refuse your request under section 6(a) of the OIA, as making the information available 
would be likely to prejudice the security or defence of New Zealand or the international 
relations of the Government of New Zealand. 
Review 
If you wish to discuss this decision with us, please feel free to contact 
[email address].   
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, 
 
 
 
Andrew Hampton 
Te Tumu Whakarae mō Te Pā Whakamarumaru 
Director-General of Security 
 
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