9 March 2016

Case for expanded spy powers not made

The Green Party absolutely stands against any expansion of the powers of the spy agencies to intrude on the private lives of ordinary New Zealanders.

“This proposal today represents the most significant erosion of New Zealanders’ right to privacy in modern times,” Green Party Co-leader Metiria Turei said.

“The Green Party stands for the protection of New Zealanders’ privacy and civil liberties.

“The Prime Minister has said he wants to seek broad political consensus and we will be very active in seeking a limit to the spy agencies powers.

“Moving New Zealand to an American style culture of fear and spying is not going to keep us safer.

“Expanding the ability of the state to spy on its citizens makes us all less free and less safe.

“New Zealand prides itself on being a fair, open and transparent country. That’s what keeps us safe, not allowing the intelligence agencies to spy on us.

“Countries that spend more time and money spying on their citizens are not safer. Look at Australia, Canada, the US and the UK.

“A much better way to keep New Zealanders safe is to work in the communities with the people who we know are at risk,” said Mrs Turei.

ends

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