From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia.
The New Zealand Security Intelligence Service (NZSIS or SIS) is an intelligence agency of the New Zealand government.
The Security Intelligence Service is a civilian organisation, and takes no part in the enforcement of security (although it has limited powers to intercept communications and search residences). Its role is intended to be advisory, providing the government with information on threats to national security or national interests. It also advises other government agencies about their own internal security measures, and is responsible for performing checks on government employees who require security clearance. The Security Intelligence Service is responsible for most of the government's counter-intelligence work.
The SIS's stated aims are to:
- "Protect and promote New Zealand's defence, foreign policy, and national economic interests."
- "Protect New Zealanders and their property."
- "Detect and prevent serious overseas-based crime which could affect this country."
- "Protect against threats from terrorism and espionage."
The Security Intelligence Service has substantial connections with foreign intelligence organizations, particularly in the United States, United Kingdom, and Australia. The SIS may be linked to the ECHELON network (which New Zealand acknowledges participation in), although the Government Communications Security Bureau is more likely to perform that type of work. The SIS's links to foreign intelligence agencies is often controversial in New Zealand.
The Security Intelligence Service is headed by the Director of Security, and is watched over by the Inspector-General of Intelligence and Security and the Intelligence and Security Committee. The SIS itself reports to a Cabinet minister with responsibility for intelligence (traditionally the Prime Minister).
The Security Intelligence Service has been involved in a number of controversies since it's creation in 1956.
- In 1974, the Security Intelligence Service was the source of information that led to the arrest of Bill Sutch, an economist, on charges of spying for the Soviet Union. Sutch was acquited, and the SIS was criticised for having accused him in the first place.
- In 1981, the SIS was criticised for drawing up a list of twenty "subversives" who participated in protests against a visit by South Africa's apartheid rugby team - this singling out of individuals as "subversives" was deemed by many to be a violation of the right to protest government decisions.
- In 1996, Aziz Choudry, an anti-globalization protestor, discovered two SIS agents breaking into his home, prompting charges that the SIS was once again violating people's rights.
- More recent is the case of Ahmed Zaoui, an Algerian man who sought asylum in New Zealand. The Security Intelligence Service reported that Zaoui was a security risk, and recommended his deportation, but this recommendation has been challenged. The Security Intelligence Service refused to release the information upon which it based its report, prompting allegations that Zaoui was being declared guilty without even being told what he was charged with. Comments made by the Inspector-General of Intelligence, who is supposed to monitor the SIS, were considered by many to be openly biased against Zaoui, prompting further claims that the SIS was effectively unaccountable. Zaoui's case is ongoing.
