Two-thirds of Kiwis confident with work of agencies

Recently, Cheryl Gwyn announced an inquiry into the activities of the GCSB. Photo / Mark Mitchell

Nearly two-thirds of New Zealanders believe the country's intelligence agencies work within the law, or they have more confidence in the agencies than in the past.

But a large minority, 28.2 per cent, have no confidence in the agencies at all.

The Herald-DigiPoll result comes after revelations of illegal spying and the publication of documents outlining surveillance in Pacific nations.

Those who had confidence that the agencies always worked within the law accounted for 33 per cent of respondents, while 30 per cent said they did not have confidence in them in the past but have more confidence now that they act properly.

Both the domestic intelligence agency, the New Zealand Security Intelligence Service (NZSIS), and Government Communications Security Bureau (GCSB), with its foreign intelligence mandate, have come under intense scrutiny after a series of revelations and allegations.

Recently, Cheryl Gwyn, who as the Inspector-General of Intelligence and Security is responsible for independent oversight of both agencies, announced an inquiry into the activities of the GCSB.

Ms Gwyn's ongoing investigation followed a series of stories by the Herald and US news site The Intercept that outlined how the GCSB conducts surveillance of Pacific nations.

The Green Party had complained to Ms Gwyn the GCSB had broken the law by spying on Kiwis holidaying, living and working in the Pacific.

A spokeswoman for Chris Finlayson, the minister responsible for the spy agencies, said they were governed by, and operated under, the rule of law and oversight of intelligence agencies was extensive and appropriate.

A New Zealand Intelligence Community spokeswoman declined to comment on the poll but said in a statement that "our intelligence agencies exist to protect New Zealand and New Zealanders".