Classification system

Classifications

Classifications set requirements for protective security measures to keep the information safe and secure. Classifications are divided into two categories:

  • Policy and privacy – classified to protect public interest or personal privacy.
  • National security – classified to protect the security, defence, or international relations of New Zealand.

Policy and privacy classifications

The classifications for government information that should be protected because of public interest, national policy, or personal privacy are below. See How to classify information section for more information.


IN-CONFIDENCE 

Use the IN-CONFIDENCE classification when the compromise of information is likely to:

  • prejudice the maintenance of law and order 
  • impede the effective conduct of government 
  • adversely affect the privacy of New Zealand citizens. 

For instance, when the compromise of information could prejudice: 

  • citizens’ commercial information 
  • obligations of confidence 
  • measures for protecting the health and safety of the public 
  • the substantial economic interest of New Zealand 
  • measures that prevent or mitigate material loss to members of the public. 

Or when a compromise of information could: 

  • breach constitutional conventions 
  • impede the effective conduct of public affairs 
  • breach legal professional privilege 
  • impede the government’s commercial activities 
  • result in the disclosure or use of government information for improper gain or advantage. 

SENSITIVE 

Use the SENSITIVE security classification when the compromise of information is likely to damage New Zealand’s interests or endanger the safety of its citizens. 

For instance, where compromise could: 

  • endanger the safety of any person
  • seriously damage the economy of New Zealand by prematurely disclosing decisions to change or continue government economic or financial policies relating to:
    • exchange rates or the control of overseas exchange transactions
    • banking or credit regulations
    • taxation
    • the stability, control, and adjustment of prices of goods and services, rents, and other costs and rates of wages, salaries, and other incomes
    • the borrowing of money by the New Zealand Government
    • the entering into of overseas trade agreements
    • impede government negotiations (including commercial and industrial negotiations).

National security classifications

The classifications for government information that should be protected because of national security are below. See How to classify information section for more information.


RESTRICTED

Use the RESTRICTED security classification when the compromise of information would be likely to adversely affect the national interest.

For instance, where compromise could:

  • adversely affect diplomatic relations
  • hinder the operational effectiveness or security of New Zealand or friendly forces
  • hinder the security of New Zealand forces or friendly forces
  • adversely affect the internal stability or economic wellbeing of New Zealand or friendly countries.

CONFIDENTIAL

Use the CONFIDENTIAL security classification when the compromise of information would cause significant damage to the national interest.

For instance, where compromise could:

  • greatly damage diplomatic relations and cause formal protest or other sanctions
  • damage the operational effectiveness of New Zealand forces or friendly forces
  • damage the security of New Zealand forces or friendly forces
  • damage the effectiveness of valuable security or intelligence operations
  • damage the internal stability of New Zealand or friendly countries
  • disrupt significant national infrastructure.

SECRET

Use the SECRET security classification when the compromise of information would cause serious damage to the national interest.

For instance, where compromise could:

  • raise international tension
  • seriously damage relations with friendly governments
  • seriously damage the security of New Zealand forces or friendly forces
  • seriously damage the operational effectiveness of New Zealand forces or friendly forces
  • seriously damage the effectiveness of valuable security or intelligence operations
  • seriously damage the internal stability of New Zealand or friendly countries
  • shut down or substantially disrupt significant national infrastructure.

TOP SECRET

Use the TOP SECRET security classification when the compromise of information would cause exceptionally grave damage to the national interest.

For instance, where compromise could:

  • threaten the internal stability of New Zealand or friendly countries
  • lead directly to widespread loss of life
  • cause exceptional damage to the security of New Zealand or allies
  • cause exceptional damage to the operational effectiveness of New Zealand forces or friendly forces
  • cause exceptional damage to the continuing effectiveness of extremely valuable security or intelligence operations
  • cause exceptional damage to relations with other governments
  • cause severe long-term damage to significant national infrastructure.

Page last modified: 1/08/2022