More than three-quarters of New Zealanders hold some concerns about reforms to spying laws, a Fairfax poll has found.
The survey of 1000 people by Fairfax Media-Ipsos found that a total of 75.3 per cent were "very concerned'', "somewhat concerned'' or "a little concerned'' about plans to allow the Government Communications Security Bureau (GCSB) to monitor New Zealanders as well as foreigners.
The poll result was contrary to Prime Minister John Key's assertion that New Zealanders cared little about the GCSB bill. He has previously pointed out the small number of submissions on the GCSB law change compared to the public response on proposed changes to snapper quotas.
Just over half of the survey respondents said they trusted Government to protect their right to privacy, while 40 per cent did not.
The bill which would allow the new spying powers to be introduced was expected to pass into law this afternoon.