A State Services Commission investigation into the use of external security consultants by government agencies has uncovered failings across the public service, including breaches of the code of conduct.
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.
- Report of the inquiry into the use of external security consultants by government agencies
- Response by the State Services Commissioner
- Media release - External security consultants’ inquiry findings
- Acting in the spirit of service – Information Gathering and Public Trust
- 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
UPDATE: 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: https://www.police.govt.nz/news/release/outcome-investigation-complaint-state-services-commission.