Ex-defence chief switches to top post in spy network

A man who has been the country's top soldier is about to become one of its top spies.

Former Defence Force chief Bruce Ferguson was yesterday named as the new director of the Government Communications Security Bureau.

In a merry-go-round in the country's top security positions, Air Marshal Ferguson replaces former GCSB director Warren Tucker, whose appointment as head of the Security Intelligence Service was announced in June.

Air Marshal Ferguson began pilot training with the RNZAF in 1969.

A former helicopter pilot and former commander of RNZAF Base Auckland, he served four years as Chief of Defence Force.

Since his retirement he has been acting director of the Ministry of Civil Defence and Emergency Management.

"There's a lot of synergies between what the GCSB does and the military," Air Marshal Ferguson said.

"I have experience in a military role and an understanding of the requirements for what is produced.

"Also, my own networking with the countries with whom we work - and there are quite a few of them - and the fact that I am known well in those countries and I think reasonably highly regarded, I bring that to the role as well."

He said he was less familiar with the data security side of the GCSB's work, but had worked with bureau staff in the past to ensure sensitive defence information was secure.

Yesterday, Prime Minister Helen Clark said Air Marshal Ferguson had proved himself in the demanding role as Chief of Defence Force and had a strong track record of achievement.

"Air Marshal Ferguson is a skilled leader with strong relationship management abilities ... experienced at senior levels in the security and intelligence community, with a sound understanding of security and intelligence matters."

Air Marshal Ferguson takes over at GCSB at the start of November, about the same time that Mr Tucker replaces retiring SIS director Richard Woods.

GCSB: LIFTING THE LID

* The Government Communications Security Bureau intercepts overseas signals to see if they have any intelligence value to New Zealand. It also is responsible for ensuring official Government information is secure.

* Formed in 1977, but its existence was not openly acknowledged until 1984.

* The bureau has two collection or interception stations. It has about 300 staff and a budget of just under $30 million.