Media Statement

16 September 2014

Māori Party opposes expansion of the State’s surveillance powers

While debate continues about the veracity of claims made by Dotcom’s “Moment of Truth”, the Māori Party remains opposed to any law changes or policies that increase the power of the State to survey its citizens.

“The Government must put to rest any truth to the accusations of mass surveillance. We would consider this a breach of human rights and New Zealanders need to be assured that their rights are not at risk,” says Co-leader Te Ururoa Flavell.

The Māori Party opposed the Government Communications Security Bureau (GCSB) legislation passed last year on the grounds that it grants unnecessary extension of powers to the GCSB.

“Our people need to be able to trust all our Government agencies. We opposed the changes to the GCSB legislation because we believed that our rights as New Zealanders to freedom of expression and freedom from unreasonable search or seizure under New Zealand law would not be guaranteed. We see the GCSB law as a direct threat to basic human rights which gives unnecessary power to only a few people.

“We also stand by our opposition to the Terrorism Suppression Amendment Act 2007 which was passed after the police raids on Tūhoe that took place under a Labour Government. The actions of the state during Operation Eight are still fresh in our minds and we must be vigilant to ensure that those in control of the state surveillance system never again treat innocent citizens with such disregard”, says Mr Flavell.

ENDS

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