Security services 'merger' papers found in street

Prime Minister John Key. Photo / Mark Mitchell

A journalist has found a notebook on a Wellington street that contains information on merging New Zealand's spy agencies.

The Government has confirmed that a review is currently underway.

The notebook was found by Radio New Zealand reporter Julian Robins and reportedly contains the name and address of a public servant on the cover.

Prime Minister John Key was asked if the find concerned him. Mr Key replied: "It does in that this is a very serious area...it sounds like human error, it's dropped out of a jacket pocket or someone left it behind.

"We'll ask some questions, but people do make mistakes," Mr Key said.

Mr Robins said the notebook contained information across a wide-range of issues, not just the review of the security intelligence services.

He said he would give it back to its owner.

Mr Key said the review of the intelligence services is part of an overall efficiency drive that involves all government departments.

"It's worth having a look at how they operate, there's nothing terribly unusual about this," Mr Key said.

The review of the way the Security Intelligence Service (SIS) and the Government Communications Security Bureau (GCSB) is being carried out by former foreign affairs secretary Simon Murdoch.

"It's very high level. He will report back to me, it's too early to tell whether there will be any changes," Mr Key said.