IR-01-23-28340
31 October 2023
Mark
[FYI request #24054 email]
Kia ora Mark
Request for information
Thank you for your Official Information Act 1982 (OIA) request of 6 September 2023, in
which you requested:
Could you please answer the fol owing questions with respect to covert human
intel igence sources (CHIS)?
1. Between 2018 and 2022, how often was CHIS information used to disrupt
drug importations into New Zealand?
2. Between 2018 and 2022, how often was CHIS information used to disrupt
threats to life (e.g., terrorism) in New Zealand?
3. Between 2018 and 2022, how often was CHIS information used to seize
firearms that were being il egally possessed in New Zealand?
Please also provide a breakdown of these statistics by year within the ranges
requested.
I seek this information to make comparisons to similar data released in the UK:
https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/covert-human-intel igence-sources-
draft-code-of-practice/covert-human-intelligence-sources-bill-factsheet-
accessible-version.
I would note that statute in the United Kingdom (UK) is different to New Zealand. The
article in the link you provide for comparison deals with a Bill (Covert Human Intel igence
Sources Bil ) that amended legislation in the UK that has no New Zealand comparison.
Unlike the UK, in New Zealand there are no circumstances where Covert Human
Intel igence Sources (CHIS) are authorised to commit criminal activity, as is the case in
the link provided.
Information relating to Police informants is sensitive information. If Police was to release
specific details about cases, that would provide the opportunity for criminals to identify
CHIS, which puts them at risk. CHIS are reliant on Police to maintain their confidentiality,
and this includes ensuring the content of their information is protected so as their
identities are not able to be established. To release the information you have requested
would risk identifying CHIS, which could put them in danger and also reduce Police’s
ability to investigate cases. Your request is therefore refused pursuant to the following
sections of the OIA:
• 6(c) – the making available of that information would be likely to prejudice the
maintenance of the law, including the prevention, investigation, and detection of
offences, and the right to a fair trial
• 6(d) - the making available of that information would be likely to endanger the
safety of any person.
You have the right to ask the Ombudsman to review my decision if you are not satisfied
with the response to your request. Information about how to make a complaint is available
at: www.ombudsman.parliament.nz.
Yours sincerely
Steve Anderson
Detective Inspector
National Criminal Investigations
