Rt Hon Jacinda Ardern MP
Prime Minister
Chairperson of the Intelligence and Security Committee
Parliament Buildings
CC: Hon Gerry Brownlee MP; Hon Andrew Little MP; Christopher Luxon MP; Hon Nanaia
Mahuta MP; Nicola Willis MP
22 February 2022
Tēnā koe Prime Minister,
I write to you in your capacity as chair of Parliament’s Intelligence and Security Committee,
to ask that you request urgent briefings from Te Mana Whakaatu – Classification Office and
the Justice Select Committee on online misinformation, disinformation and radicalisation in
New Zealand.
People in Aotearoa have, and must always have, a right to freely express their views
including through peaceful protest.
Many Members of Parliament have exercised this right and I am confident that all uphold it
strongly.
However, the ongoing protest action outside Parliament and on nearby streets is harbouring
violent and abusive sentiments.
This includes, but is not limited to, threats to public servants and journalists, which cannot
under the Official Information Act 1982
and must not be tolerated in New Zealand.
These sentiments risk undermining democratic values and raise potential national security
concerns.
It is apparent that the spread of misinformation and disinformation on online platforms has
had a role in normalising extremist and violent sentiments as part of these protests.
It is also apparent that a number of the leaders of the various protest factions use direct
Released
social media channels to engage those vulnerable or susceptible.
It also appears possible that elements are being driven by, or are linked to, overseas
movements and interests, as you mentioned on 21 February in the media.1
1 https://www.newshub.co.nz/home/new-zealand/2022/02/live-updates-latest-on-covid-19-community-
outbreak-parliament-protest-sunday-february-201.html. Accessed 22 February 2022.
Te Mana Whakaatu - Classification Office produced a report in June 2021 titled ‘
The Edge of
the Infodemic’, which found that 82% of New Zealanders are somewhat or very concerned
about the spread of misinformation.2
Public awareness of this issue is high and concern is growing.
As a cross-party vehicle for examining national security concerns, we believe the Intelligence
and Security Committee must take this matter seriously and examine the role of
misinformation in order to counter its effects in Aotearoa.
As a party of Parliament committed to a kaupapa of non-violence, the Green Party
Parliamentary Caucus feels strongly that all Members must consider the dangerous
implications of what is being fostered outside.
The Justice Select Committee is currently producing its final report into the 2020 New
Zealand election, which includes a specific focus on advertising, misinformation,
disinformation, and fake news.
As noted, Te Mana Whakaatu - Classification Office has thorough expertise in this space.
I believe that briefings from these two entities for the cross-party membership of the
Intelligence and Security Committee would be a useful way for Parliament to address this
issue.
I have notified other members of the Committee of this request. I would be happy to meet to
discuss, with other members present for the discussion if appropriate.
Ngā mihi,
Hon James Shaw MP
under the Official Information Act 1982
Co-leader of the Green Party of Aotearoa New Zealand
Member of the Intelligence and Security Committee
Released
2 https://www.classificationoffice.govt.nz/resources/research/the-edge-of-the-infodemic/. Accessed 22
February 2022.
