Call for Inquiry into New Zealand’s Security and Intelligence Agencies

National Party leaders are calling for an inquiry into New Zealand's security and intelligence agencies following the Christchurch terror attacks that left 50 people dead. The leaders say a review of the security legislation is important to keep Kiwis safe.

Simon Bridges said the Royal Commission would need to ask hard questions about whether security and intelligence agencies had their focus in the right places. He said the Royal Commission is the only suitable level of inquiry to ensure this is investigated thoroughly and independently. "We need to know whether this could have been prevented. The review of security legislation is needed to see if the security agencies need greater powers."

Bridges added that the abandoned Project Speargun should be reconsidered as it would have scanned internet traffic coming into New Zealand. The project had been let go in 2013 by the former National government. "He said the project would have given an extended degree of protection to all New Zealanders as similar systems are being used in other jurisdictions. "Its never easy to balance the rights of privacy against security but where we draw the line, must now be reconsidered."

Furthermore, Bridges said the government should not use the inquiry to delay making decisions to keep people safe. He reiterated that the security risk has drastically changed.