Revealed: Foreign spy targeted ‘sensitive’ NZ firms

The SIS has warned businesses and public officials to be on alert after a foreign spy tried to infiltrate high levels of Government and sensitive New Zealand industries.

The hostile intelligence officer came to New Zealand under a ‘‘cover identity’’ and had meetings with senior Government officials with high level security clearances.

The spy visited ‘‘key New Zealand business facilities’’, according to information revealed by the SIS in its latest annual report.

‘‘This activity may indicate foreign efforts to influence or access the knowledge of New Zealand’s business community,’’ the SIS said. Other revelations include: Intelligence officers were deployed to ensure the safety of New Zealanders attending the 2016 Anzac Day centenary commemorations in Turkey

A foreign terrorist was prevented from coming to New Zealand after being detected prior to trying to board a flight.

■ Spies are working to ensure New Zealand’s burgeoning space industry is kept in line with national security.

The SIS said they thwarted the

The big commercial operators in New Zealand are equally prone for cyber attacks and intelligence attacks. Andrew Little

attempted operation.

‘‘After identifying the likely or imminent contact, the NZSIS briefed the relevant government officials to be cautious in their conversations with unknown individuals.’’

An SIS spokeswoman said: ‘‘The case studies in our 2016 annual report highlight some of the security threats New Zealand faces.’’

They refused to release any further details on the foreign intelligence operation to infiltrate New Zealand businesses, but it is presumed to have taken place in the year leading up to July 2016.

SIS director Rebecca Kitteridge said she wanted the agency to have greater transparency and openness.

The intelligence agencies, fresh from a $178m funding boost in last year’s budget, are trying to be more transparent and are enjoying the success of their Beyond Ordinary Careers recruitment drive, that has seen staff numbers at the GCSB and SIS increasing by more than 20 per cent in the past 12 months.

Labour leader Andrew Little said the apparent threat to New Zealand industries was a concern.

‘‘The big commercial operators in New Zealand are equally prone for cyber attacks and intelligence attacks.’’

Little, who receives intelligence briefings as Opposition leader, said the extra investment in the intelligence agencies was justified.

‘‘I think one of the issues has been salary levels within our intelligence agency.

‘‘If the future of national security is in the cyber field, we’re competing with so many other players for IT specialist operating at a high level. The salary levels and conditions just haven’t been competitive.

‘‘There’s a need for the right technology, infrastructure and expertise to do the job properly.’’