Questions have been raised about the make-up of a group being consulted on New Zealand's intelligence and security issues.
Journalist and author Nicky Hager and Ahmed Zaoui's lawyer Deborah Manning are among appointments to the new Intelligence and Security Reference Group.
New Zealand Herald investigative journalist David Fisher is also among the appointments.
National's spokesman for GCSB and NZSIS Gerry Brownlee said the appointments raised serious questions for Inspector-General Cheryl Gwyn.
"The Inspector-General has said this group has been brought together to help her stand 'in the shoes of the public' but several members of her group are far from objective in their view of our intelligence relationships or, in some cases, the existence of intelligence services at all," Brownlee said in a statement.
"The Inspector-General needs to explain how this group was appointed. That they have been appointed and met with the Inspector-General before their appointment was made public is worrying given the values she is supposed to promote."
He questioned whether Gwyn discussed the appointments with Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern before the first meeting and what statutory power she could cite for the appointments.
"Will this group have top secret clearance. If so, how can we be sure the information they will have access to will be secure. Will the Inspector-General be sharing intelligence with them Where will the line be drawn," Brownlee said.
Announcing the group yesterday, Gwyn said the group "brings together a broad range of individuals and groups, all of whom have specific expertise and experience that in one way or another touches on the work of the Inspector-General's office."
