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Government agencies
Each government agency is responsible for developing and implementing its protective security arrangements in accordance with the PSR.
The success of this system depends on:
- effective security arrangements within each agency
- interagency agreements on security policy and common minimum standards
- access by agencies to security intelligence records and specialist advice on specific security issues.
See also the PSR GOV Policy Framework Appendix A for more information on agency specific security roles and responsibilities such as:
- Chief Security Officer
- Chief Information Security Officer
- Security management
- Personnel (employees, contractors, temporary staff)
To help agencies meet this responsibility, several security agencies and committees decide security policy, provide advice, and offer guidance.
Committees responsible for protective security
The following committees have protective security responsibilities:
- National Security Board (NSB)
Agencies and organisations providing intelligence, technical standards and protective security advice
The following agencies and organisations provide specialist advice on intelligence, technical standards, and/or protective security.
New Zealand Security Intelligence Service
The Director-General of the NZSIS holds the role of Government Protective Security Lead (GPSL). The GPSL provides protective security leadership, guidance, and support for chief executives, organisations, and systems across New Zealand.
The aim of the GPSL is to improve the overall resilience of organisations’ security. The GPSL helps chief executives meet their responsibilities for protecting their organisations and addressing security risks.
The NZSIS:
- develops, maintains, and supports government agencies to implement the Protective Security Requirements (PSR)
- establishes the personnel and physical security standards as authorised by the Intelligence and Security Act 2017 (legislation.govt.nz)(external link).
- collects, analyses and advises on matters relating to espionage, foreign interference, politically motivated violence, communal violence, sabotage, attacks on New Zealand's defence system and serious threats to New Zealand's border integrity
- informs the government about matters of concern exposed by intelligence-gathering operations
- on the request of government agencies, NZSIS vets personnel requiring national security clearances for access to protectively marked material.
New Zealand Police
The New Zealand Police has functions in keeping the peace, maintaining public safety, law enforcement, crime prevention, community support and reassurance, national security, emergency management and participation in policing activities outside New Zealand.
Office of the Privacy Commissioner
The Office of the Privacy Commissioner works to develop and promote a culture in which personal information is protected and respected.
The Privacy Commissioner monitors and advises on how personal information can be collected, used, stored and disclosed and the freedom of information.
Office of the Auditor-General (OAG)
The Auditor-General is responsible for audit and assurance work to improve the performance of, and the public's trust in, the public sector.
Ministry of Justice
The Ministry of Justice exists to create a fairer and safer New Zealand, administers legislation and contributes to a more credible and effective justice system.
Government Chief Digital Officer (GCDO)
As functional leader for government ICT, the GCDO (previously called the Government Chief Information Officer GCIO) is responsible for ICT-enabled transformation across government agencies to deliver better services to citizens.
New Zealand Security Association Inc. (NZSA)
The NZSA is an independent organisation established to promote a professional security industry. The NZSA:
- sets minimum standards for its members published in its Codes of Practice (also available to non-members)
- develops security education and training programmes
- fosters contact with similar international agencies.
American Society of Industrial Security (NZ) Inc. (ASIS)
ASIS is dedicated to increasing the effectiveness and productivity of security professionals by developing educational programmes and materials that address broad security interests as well as specific security topics.
ASIS also advocates the role and value of the security management profession to business, the media, government entities and the public.