Legislation
Current intelligence and security legislation
The appointment, functions, duties and powers of the Inspector-General are set out in Part 6 of the Intelligence and Security Act 2017. The Inspector-General also has functions under the Outer Space and High-altitude Activities Act 2017, the Protected Disclosures (Protection of Whistleblowers) Act 2022, and the Privacy Act 2020. The Telecommunications (Interception Capability and Security) Act 2013 is also relevant to intelligence activities.
Intelligence and Security Act 2017(external link)
Protected Disclosures (Protection of Whistleblowers) Act 2022(external link)
Privacy Act 2020(external link)
Telecommunications (Interception Capability and Security) Act 2013(external link)
Outer Space and High-altitude Activities Act 2017(external link)
Legislative review
The Intelligence and Security Act came about following the government's response to the First Independent Review of Intelligence and Security in New Zealand, conducted by Hon Sir Michael Cullen and Dame Patsy Reddy. The Review produced the report Intelligence and Security in a Free Society.
Intelligence and Security in a Free Society
The Inspector-General participated in the Review and made submissions to the Select Committee about the bill that became the Intelligence and Security Act.
First IGIS submission to the Select Committee [PDF, 365 KB]
Second IGIS submission to the Select Committee [PDF, 454 KB]
Third IGIS submission to the Select Committee [PDF, 443 KB]
Historical legislation
The Intelligence and Security Act replaced four pieces of legislation.
Inspector-General of Intelligence and Security Act 1996
Intelligence and Security Committee Act 1996
New Zealand Security Intelligence Service Act 1969
Government Communications Security Bureau Act 2003
