By Patrick Gower
The Security Intelligence Service is to get greater powers to snoop inside personal computers.
They will also be allowed more electronic tracking of both people and vehicles.
The current law is 40 years old, and the upgrade is to allow spies to use the new powers to safeguard the Rugby World Cup.
"When you're hosting the third-largest sporting event in the world, obviously you need to make sure that we provide all the national security that is appropriate for such an event," says Prime Minister John Key.
So, the Government is rushing in legislation that will enhance the ability of the SIS to use electronic tracking devices and computer-based surveillance, and investigate mobile phones and cyber identities.
But in true secret service fashion, Mr Key was not saying just how this would work.
"What the legislation does is make the operation of the New Zealand SIS more effective and efficient when a warrant's issued. But for reasons of national security, I don't want to detail what those are."
Mr Key says the changes are needed to bring the spies into the modern age and comply with laws like the Bill of Rights, which protects New Zealanders' rights.
"This is a modernisation of legislation that's been around for 40 years, says Mr Key, "and that needs modernising when you consider the modern day settings and the type of equipment that's being used, and the surveillance that's being undertaken."
But one thing is certain - there won't be any new checks and balances for the public. Mr Key says you just have to trust him - he signs off the warrants.
"It's a very thorough process."
So the spies' new powers are on a need-to-know-basis - and the Government's decided you don't need to know. There will be virtually no chance to learn about how the laws work or what they're for - the select committee hearings will be closed to the public.
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