The Inspector-General of Intelligence and Security, Brendan Horsley, has today
released his findings into actions of the New Zealand Security Intelligence Service
(NZSIS) arising from investigating an allegation of foreign interference.
In 2023, Radio New Zealand (RNZ) journalist Michael Hall was publicly accused of
‘pushing a false Russian narrative’ when sub-editing a Reuters story, subsequently
published by RNZ. The allegations lead to an audit of Mr Hall’s work by RNZ and an
investigation by an independent panel, both of which were reported on publicly.
The NZSIS also made initial enquiries in response to media reports that Mr Hall had
allegedly engaged in foreign interference. The NZSIS concluded that there were no
concerns of foreign interference and shared its conclusions with interested parties.
Mr Hall complained that he had been investigated by the NZSIS unlawfully and that
the NZSIS had improperly shared information about him. The Inspector-General
conducted an inquiry into the lawfulness and propriety of the actions of the NZSIS.
Mr Horsley noted that the “NZSIS is responsible for identifying and countering foreign
interference in New Zealand. In fulfilling this responsibility NZSIS must give
consideration to fundamental principles such as freedom of expression and freedom
of the press.”
The Inspector-General found that the activities of the NZSIS were “limited in scope to
what was strictly necessary to satisfy the NZSIS that this was not a case of foreign
interference”.
He stated: “I am satisfied that the basis and extent of these enquiries were both legal
and proper and that NZSIS recognized the sensitive nature of making enquiries into a
journalist.”
Mr Horsley further stated: “I also consider it proper, given the widespread speculation
of foreign interference, that NZSIS actively reported to relevant parties their positive
conclusion that Mr Hall was not engaging in any form of state sponsored foreign
interference.”
The Inspector-General’s report, a letter to Mr Hall in response to his complaint, has
been publicly released and provided to the Minister responsible for the NZSIS. The
letter is available on the IGIS website: www.igis.govt.nz
Media contact (on behalf of the Inspector-General): Joe Locke, 021 636 416