FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Wednesday, 24 June 1998

INSPECTOR-GENERAL'S PRELIMINARY REPORT ON GCSB

Prime Minister Jenny Shipley today released the public version of a preliminary report by the Inspector-General of Intelligence and Security, Laurie Greig, into the Government Communications Security Bureau's (GCSB) internal rules for the collection and reporting of foreign communications.

"I am pleased to note that the Inspector-General's preliminary report concludes that the GCSB's existing collection and reporting rules are valid and appropriate, and that the operation of those rules more than adequately ensures that the GCSB collects and reports on foreign communications only.

"This preliminary report by the Inspector-General of Intelligence and Security also provides reassurance that GCSB's operations and activities are at all times lawful, proper and have no adverse or improper impact on the lives of New Zealand citizens."

The Inspector-General was requested to examine GCSB's established internal procedures and practices by then Prime Minister Jim Bolger in July last year, at the time the Government announced two decisions to enhance the signals intelligence collection capability of the GCSB.

These were the construction of a second antenna and its covering radome at GCSB's satellite monitoring station at Waihopai near Blenheim and the Order in Council which enables the station to collect foreign voice communications. The Waihopai extension is almost completed.

Mrs Shipley reiterated that GCSB's new powers were strictly confined to the collection of foreign communications which contain, or may reasonably be expected to contain, foreign intelligence.

Mrs Shipley also noted that this report was a preliminary one because New Zealand's collection and reporting rules were currently undergoing review, and because GCSB has not yet commenced voice interception from Waihopai nor settled its rules or procedures relating to this.

Once these actions have been finalised, the Inspector-General will review them and will make a final report to the Prime Minister.

"In the meantime, I wanted to inform the public of the conclusions which the Inspector-General had reached as a result of his enquiry to date. The Intelligence and Security Committee, which examines the policy, administration, and expenditure of GCSB and NZSIS on behalf of Parliament, has also been informed of the Inspector-General's report and had seen the full classified version," Mrs Shipley said.

Inquiries:

Janice Rodenburg	04-471-9113	025-433-760
Anna Kominik	04-471-9425	025-426-757