Inquiry into the use of external security consultants by government agencies
A State Services Commission investigation into the use of external security consultants by the public service.
On 27 March 2018, State Services Commissioner Peter Hughes appointed Mr Doug Martin and Mr Simon Mount QC to lead an inquiry into the use of external security consultants by government agencies.
The objective of the review was to look at the use of external security consultants, including but not limited to Thompson & Clark Investigations Limited (TCIL). This included reporting on whether external security consultants carried out surveillance activities directly or indirectly on behalf of Crown Agencies.
The inquiry covered 131 State sector agencies, including all public service departments and looked at whether public servants or contractors may have breached the State Service Standards of Integrity and Conduct (code of conduct).
Terms of reference and related information
Final report and related information
The inquiry found no evidence of widespread inappropriate surveillance by external security consultants on behalf of government agencies. However, the system was not operating in a way New Zealanders would expect and the State Services Commissioner has introduced new standards that will strengthen transparency and consistency across all government agencies.
Media release: External security consultants’ inquiry findings
Report of the inquiry into the use of external security consultants by government agencies
Response by the State Services Commissioner
Information gathering and public trust
Related information
Correspondence and other material – part one 5 Mar-11 Jul 2018
Correspondence and other material – part two 26 Jul-29 Aug 2018
Correspondence and other material – part three 29 Aug-18 Sep 2018
Correspondence and other material – part four 20 Sep-26 Sep 2018
Correspondence and other material – part five 28 Sep-11 Oct 2018
Correspondence and other material – part six 24 Oct-onwards
As noted in the State Services Commissioner’s press release and response to the Inquiry, both issued on 18 December 2018, a complaint was laid with the New Zealand Police regarding the recording of meetings attended by Southern Response claimants.
On 9 May 2019 the NZ Police advised that it had determined that there was no evidence found of criminal offending or unlawful conduct.
The full statement by the NZ Police can be found here:
Outcome investigation complaint State Services Commission – Police.govt.nz
Inquiry into use of external security consultants – review of Tertiary Education Institutions
OIA requests
OIA response: Compliance with Information Gathering and Public Trust model standards (July 2019)
OIA response: Information relating to use of Private Security Consultants (June 2019)
OIA response: Copy of previous TCIL investigation report (March 2019)
OIA response: TCIL Inquiry Follow up Questions (March 2019)
OIA response: When Govt Agencies First Engaged with Thompson and Clark (February 2019)
OIA response: Thompson and Clark Investigations Ltd Invoices (July 2018)