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DMS42-6-8927
New Zealand
Security Intelligence Service
PO Box 900, Wellington
P +64 4 472 6170
F +64 4 472 8209
www.nzsis.govt.nz
7 July 2022
Scott
[FYI request #18984 email]
Tēnā koe Scott,
Official information request
Thank you for your Official Information Act 1982 (OIA) request to the New Zealand Security
Intelligence Service (NZSIS) of 28 March 2022 seeking copies of the NZSIS Discover Strategy
and other documents. Specifically, you requested the following:
ONE: I would like to request a copy of the “NZSIS Strategy” referred to on page 11 of the
NZSIS 2021 Annual Report. If the document pictured on this page (“Discover: Insight
Advantage Guarding Aotearoa,” In Confidence) is different to the NZSIS Strategy, I would
like to request a copy of this as well.
TWO: The NZSIS 2021 Annual Report describes five strategic objectives that “have been
developed to deliver the Discover Strategy” (p.12). In the Data Strategy 2020, the NZSIS
Strategy is described as having eight strategic objectives (p.23).
If the “NZSIS Strategy” referred to in the Data Strategy 2020 is a different document to the
“NZSIS Strategy” referred to in the NZSIS 2021 Annual Report, or an earlier version of the
same document, I would like to request a copy of this document as well.
THREE: I would like to request a copy of the NZSIS Operational Strategy
FOUR: The Data Strategy 2020 notes an intent to “Establish an explicit openness strategy
for NZSIS, declassifying older public records about the Service to inform public attitudes
about our changing role in society” (p.17). I would like to request a copy of the “openness
strategy” referred to here.
FIVE: Regarding the Data Transformation Programme, I would like to request copies of any
implementation plan, work programme or other document that sets out the goals of this
programme and how it will be implemented.
SIX: I would like to request a copy of the latest Capability Directorate Annual Business Plan
SEVEN: I would like to request a copy of the latest Data Enablement Unit Annual Business
Plan
EIGHT: I would like to request a copy of the latest NZSIS 4-Year Change Plan
NINE: I would like to request a copy of the latest NZSIS annual Change Plan
On 27 April 2022 you were advised of an extension to the time limit for responding to this
request, to 25 May 2022, due to the consultations necessary to make a decision.
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DMS42-6-8927
Unfortunately, due to unforeseen circumstances we were unable to meet this deadline. I
apologise for the delay and thank you for your patience while we prepared our response.
Response to your request
NZSIS holds information that falls within the scope of your request. That information has
been assessed for release to you, subject to the following provisions of the OIA:
s6(a), where the making available of the information would be likely to prejudice the
security or defence of New Zealand or the international relations of the Government
of New Zealand;
s9(2)(g)(i), withholding of the information is necessary to maintain the effective
conduct of public affairs through the free and frank expression of opinions by or
between or to Ministers of the Crown or members of an organisation or officers and
employees of any department or organisation in the course of their duty;
s16(1)(e), information may be made available by giving a summary or excerpt of its
contents.
s18(e), document alleged to contain the information requested does not exist or,
despite reasonable efforts to locate it, cannot be found.
Where information has been withheld under section 9(2)(g)(i), I do not consider that the
need to withhold this information is outweighed by other considerations which render it
desirable, in the public interest, to make that information available.
Questions 1 and 2: Discover Strategy
The NZSIS launched our refreshed strategy in December 2019. The strategy’s vision is
Insight
advantage guarding Aotearoa, and the first priority is “Discover”. Please find attached a copy
of the strategy, which was pictured in the 2021 Annual Report.
The Discover Strategy was developed over a period of time where a number of objective
options were explored. At the time of writing the Data Strategy, there were eight strategic
objectives. The NZSIS continued to refine the objectives in the strategy to the final five
shown in the Annual Report. The commentary in the Data Strategy reflects that point in time
not the final strategy.
I am refusing your request for earlier versions of the NZSIS strategy under sections 6(a) and
9(2)(g)(i) of the OIA, as release would be detrimental to the security or defence of New
Zealand, and may inhibit the exchange of free and frank opinions between officials.
Q3: Operational Strategy
The NZSIS Operational Strategy was called Sterling. This has been superseded by our
Discover strategy, which saw the strategy lifted to an organisational level.
I am unable to release the Project Sterling document in its entirety, as doing so would be
likely to prejudice the security or defence of New Zealand, as protected by section 6(a) of the
OIA. Please find attached:
an unclassified summary of Sterling, as allowed for under section 16(1)(e) of the OIA;
an A3 summary of Sterling, with some details withheld under section 6(a) of the OIA.
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DMS42-6-8927
Q4: The Data Strategy 2020 notes an intent to “Establish an explicit openness strategy
for NZSIS, declassifying older public records about the Service to inform public
attitudes about our changing role in society” (p.17). I would like to request a copy of
the “openness strategy” referred to here.
The NZSIS has not produced an explicit openness strategy, and as such, I must refuse you
request for this document under section 18(e) of the OIA, as the document requested does
not exist. The NZSIS has progressed work in relation to declassifying older public records,
but this was not done as part of an openness strategy.
The NZSIS is continuing to challenge ourselves to identify new ways of being more open and
transparent with the public. You will have seen the results of this through increased public
and community engagement, including with the Director-General, and identifying
opportunities to publicly explain the role and functions of the NZSIS particularly in the
media.
Q5: Data Transformation Programme
Your request for copies of any implementation plan or work programme for the Data
Transformation Programme is refused under section 6(a) of the OIA as release of the
information would be prejudicial to the security or defence of New Zealand.
Q6: Capability Directorate Annual Business Plan
Your request for a copy of the Capability Directorate Annual Business Plan is refused under
section 6(a) of the OIA as release of the information would be prejudicial to the security or
defence of New Zealand.
Q7: Data Enablement Unit Annual Business Plan
The Data Enablement Unit does not have an Annual Business Plan. As such, your request for
this document is refused under section 18(e) of the OIA, as the document requested does
not exist.
Q8: NZSIS 4-Year Change Plan
The NZSIS does not have a Four Year Change Plan. As such, your request for this document
is refused under section 18(e) of the OIA, as the document requested does not exist.
Q9: NZSIS Annual Change Plan
Your request for a copy of the NZSIS Annual Change Plan is refused under section 6(a) of the
OIA as release of the information would be prejudicial to the security or defence of New
Zealand.
Review
If you wish to discuss this decision with us, please feel free to contact
[NZSIS request email].
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DMS42-6-8927
You have the right to seek an investigation and review by the Ombudsman of this decision.
Information about how to make a complaint is available at
www.ombudsman.parliament.nz
or freephone 0800 802 602.
Ngā mihi
On behalf of Rebecca Kitteridge
Te Tumu Whakarae mō Te Pā Whakamarumaru
Director-General of Security
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