FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

1 October 2012

JOINT MEDIA STATEMENT FROM DPMC AND GCSB

Andrew Kibblewhite, Chief Executive of the Department of the Prime Minister and Cabinet, and Ian Fletcher, Director of the Government Communications Security Bureau (GCSB), announced today that Rebecca Kitteridge, the Secretary of the Cabinet, is to be seconded immediately to the GCSB for an initial period of up to three months in the new role of Associate Director of the Bureau.

Ms Kitteridge will be responsible to the Director of the GCSB for the implementation of an immediate capability, governance and performance review. This work will provide assurance to the GCSB Director that the Bureau's activities are undertaken within its powers, and that adequate assurance and safeguards are in place.

As Associate Director, Ms Kitteridge will also act as Deputy Chief Executive.

Ms Kitteridge's responsibilities will include:
• Reviewing the systems, processes and capabilities underpinning the GCSB's collection and reporting.

• Building capability and providing assurance to the GCSB Director that the compliance framework has been reviewed, improved and is fit for purpose.

• To establish new, specific approval processes for activity in support of police and other law enforcement agencies.

Ms Kitteridge was appointed as Secretary of the Cabinet and Clerk of the Executive Council in April 2008. She is a senior public servant who is responsible for the security and integrity of the Cabinet decision-making system and the New Zealand Royal Honours systems. She provides advice on ethics and conduct in relation to Ministers of the Crown, and is a key constitutional advisor to the Governor-General and the Prime Minister of the day.

Ms Kitteridge is a lawyer by training and a focus in private practice was on legal compliance for corporate entities. Since joining the public service she has specialised in constitutional matters at both the Cabinet Office and in the Legal Division of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade. While in Cabinet Office she has advised four Prime Ministers and four Governors-General.

The secondment will commence on Tuesday, 2 October 2012.

Michael Webster, currently Deputy Cabinet Secretary will act as Cabinet Secretary whilst Ms Kitteridge is on secondment.

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