Hon Christopher Finlayson

Hon CHRISTOPHER FINLAYSON (Attorney-General) on behalf of the Minister in charge of the NZ Security Intelligence Service: I move, That the New Zealand Security Intelligence Service Amendment Bill and the Crimes Amendment Bill (No 3) be now read a third time. This legislation makes select changes to the powers of the New Zealand Security Intelligence Service. In particular, it modernises those parts of the warrant framework that have not kept pace with technology, as the principal Act’s warrant framework is now over 30 years old. That framework was designed at a time when the principal methods of communication were by mail, landline telephone, or facsimile. Although the core surveillance powers contained in the warrant framework have remained relevant, new ways of communicating mean that those powers do not, in all respects, marry up with modern communication methods. Changes must therefore be made to enable the Security Intelligence Service to regain its full functionality before New Zealand hosts an important event like the Rugby World Cup. Changes to the warrant powers will ensure that the Security Intelligence Service is equipped to deal with the now widespread use of computer, mobile phone, and internet technologies, and to take advantage of new surveillance technologies available to it. The legislation also clarifies the protections from liability for persons acting under warrants, and provides for delegation powers.