Tçnâ koe

We refer to your request made under the Official Information Act 1982 (OIA) to the New Zealand Security Agency (NZSIS) on 12 March 2024, copied below.

We can advise that the NZSIS does not hold any information that falls within the scope of your request. As such, we are refusing your request under section 18(g)(i) of the OIA, as the information requested is not held by our department, and we have no grounds for believing it would be held by another department, Minister of the Crown, organisation, or local authority.

For context, it might be helpful if we explain our functions. The NZSIS is New Zealand’s domestic security agency and lead organisation for human intelligence (HUMINT). More information about our work can be found online at: http://www.nzsis.govt.nz/.

Our priorities, called the National Security Intelligence Priorities (NSIPs), are set by the Government. The NSIPs outline key areas of national security interest to the New Zealand Government. More information about the NSIPs can be found online at: https://www.dpmc.govt.nz/our-programmes/....

While our work contributes to all of the NSIPs, some of the main priorities that relate to the NZSIS are: foreign interference and espionage, terrorism and violent extremism, regional stability, and malicious cyber activity. Our remit in relation to space security is limited – our role is in undertaking national security risk assessments for all activities licensed or permitted under the Outer Space and High-altitude Activities Act 2017.

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 http://www.ombudsman.parliament.nz/ or freephone 0800 802 602.

Ngâ mihi
NZSIS

-----Original Message-----
From: Lee Jared <[FYI request #26075 email]>
Sent: Tuesday, 12 March 2024 5:22 PM
To: OIA Privacy <[NZSIS request email]>
Subject: Official Information request - NZSIS Engagement with Unidentified Aerial Phenomena (UAP)

[You don't often get email from [FYI request #26075 email]. Learn why this is important at https://aka.ms/LearnAboutSenderIdentific... ]

Dear New Zealand Security Intelligence Service,

I hope this message finds you well.

Under the provisions of the Official Information Act 1982, I am seeking information regarding the involvement and insights of the New Zealand Security Intelligence Service (NZSIS) pertaining to Unidentified Aerial Phenomena (UAP).

Given the heightened global attention to UAPs and their potential implications for national security, I am particularly interested in how the NZSIS approaches these phenomena within the scope of its responsibilities for protecting New Zealand's national security.

Accordingly, I respectfully request the following information:

Observations and Reports:

Any records or summaries of UAP observations or reports that the NZSIS has received, analyzed, or generated from January 2010 to the present.
Internal Assessments:

Details of any internal assessments, briefings, or discussions within the NZSIS regarding the potential national security implications of UAPs.
Inter-agency Collaboration:

Information on the NZSIS's collaboration or communication with other New Zealand government agencies (such as the NZDF, GCSB, or Civil Aviation Authority) concerning UAPs, including any joint efforts to assess or respond to such phenomena.
International Engagement:

Descriptions of any discussions or exchanges with international counterparts regarding UAPs, especially those pertaining to shared security interests or intelligence-sharing agreements.
I understand the sensitive nature of the NZSIS's work and am prepared to receive information in a redacted form where necessary to protect national security and operational details. If certain aspects of my request are better directed towards another agency, I would appreciate your guidance or referral to ensure the completeness of my inquiry.

Thank you for your attention to this request. I look forward to your response within the statutory 20 working days, and I am available for any clarification or further details you may require.

Warm regards.

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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 #26075 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:
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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.

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