Telecommunications (Interception Capability and Security) Act 2013

1: Title
This Act is the Telecommunications (Interception Capability and Security) Act 2013.
2: Commencement
1: Part 1 subpart 4 subparts 1 2 7 8
2: The rest of this Act comes into force on the date that is 6 months after the date on which this Act receives the Royal assent.
1: Preliminary provisions
General
3: Interpretation
1: In this Act, unless the context otherwise requires,— annual update section 69 applicant section 61 authorised person call associated data
a: means information—
i: that is generated as a result of the making of the telecommunication (whether or not the telecommunication is sent or received successfully); and
ii: that identifies the origin, direction, destination, or termination of the telecommunication; and
b: includes, without limitation, any of the following information:
i: the number from which the telecommunication originates:
ii: the number to which the telecommunication is sent:
iii: if the telecommunication is diverted from one number to another number, those numbers:
iv: the time at which the telecommunication is sent:
v: the duration of the telecommunication:
vi: if the telecommunication is generated from a mobile telephone, the point at which the telecommunication first enters a network; but
c: does not include the content of the telecommunication chief executive classified information
a: is of a kind specified in any of paragraphs (a) to (c) of section 102(2)
b: the disclosure of which would be likely to do any of the things specified in paragraphs (a) to (d) of section 102(3) compliance order section 92 customer designated officer section 72 Director documents subpart 4 section 4(1) end-user equipment Parts 2 3 full interception capability section 10 information subpart 4 infrastructure-level service intelligence and security agency
a: the New Zealand Security Intelligence Service; or
b: the Government Communications Security Bureau intercept
a: while it is taking place on a telecommunications network; or
b: while it is in transit on a telecommunications network intercept accessible section 12 intercept ready section 11 interception warrant
a: a warrant issued under section 53
b: an intelligence warrant issued under Part 4 law enforcement agency
a: the New Zealand Police; or
b: a specified law enforcement agency within the meaning of section 50 Minister Minister for Communications and Information Technology Minister responsible for the Government Communications Security Bureau of the Government Communications Security Bureau Minister of Trade national security network network operations centre network operator
a: a person who owns, controls, or operates a public telecommunications network; or
b: a person who supplies (whether by wholesale or retail) another person with the capability to provide a telecommunications service network security risk
a: the design, build, or operation of a public telecommunications network; or
b: any interconnection to or between public telecommunications networks in New Zealand or with telecommunications networks overseas number
a: means the address used by a network operator or a telecommunications service for the purposes of—
i: directing a telecommunication to its intended destination; and
ii: identifying the origin of a telecommunication; and
b: includes, without limitation, any of the following:
i: a telephone number:
ii: a mobile telephone number:
iii: a unique identifier for a telecommunication device (for example, an electronic serial number or a Media Access Control address):
iv: a user account identifier:
v: an Internet Protocol address:
vi: an email address other lawful interception authority
a: means an authorisation issued under Part 4 section 47
b: includes an authority to intercept a private communication (whether in an urgent or emergency situation or otherwise) that is granted or issued to any member of a surveillance agency under any other enactment outsourcing arrangement public data network
a: means a data network used, or intended for use, in whole or in part, by the public; and
b: includes, without limitation, the following facilities:
i: Internet access; and
ii: email access public switched telephone network public telecommunications network
a: a public switched telephone network; and
b: a public data network purely resold telecommunications service
a: that is supplied or provided to a network operator ( A
b: that (A) resells, supplies, or provides to another person without making any technical modification to that service register section 63 Registrar section 73 responsible Ministers
a: the Minister in charge of the New Zealand Security Intelligence Service; and
b: the Minister responsible for the Government Communications Security Bureau; and
c: the Minister of Police security risk service provider
a: means any person who, from within or outside New Zealand, provides or makes available in New Zealand a telecommunications service to an end-user (whether or not as part of a business undertaking and regardless of the nature of that business undertaking); but
b: does not include a network operator significant network security risk surveillance agency
a: a law enforcement agency; or
b: an intelligence and security agency telecommunication
a: means the conveyance by electromagnetic means from one device to another of any encrypted or non-encrypted sign, signal, impulse, writing, image, sound, instruction, information, or intelligence of any nature, whether for the information of any person using the device or not; but
b: does not include any conveyance that constitutes broadcasting (within the meaning of section 2(1) telecommunication device
a: means any terminal device capable of being used for transmitting or receiving a telecommunication over a network; and
b: includes a telephone device telecommunication link telecommunications service telephone device wholesale network service
a: is provided by a network operator ( network operator A
b: is provided exclusively over 1 or more networks that are owned, controlled, or operated by network operator A.
2: Section 3(1) Director replaced 28 September 2017 section 335 Intelligence and Security Act 2017 Section 3(1) interception warrant replaced 28 September 2017 section 335 Intelligence and Security Act 2017 Section 3(1) Minister responsible for the Government Communications Security Bureau amended 28 September 2017 section 335 Intelligence and Security Act 2017 Section 3(1) network inserted 13 November 2018 section 40 Telecommunications (New Regulatory Framework) Amendment Act 2018 Section 3(1) other lawful interception authority replaced 28 September 2017 section 335 Intelligence and Security Act 2017 Section 3(1) telecommunication inserted 13 November 2018 section 40 Telecommunications (New Regulatory Framework) Amendment Act 2018 Section 3(1) telecommunication link inserted 13 November 2018 section 40 Telecommunications (New Regulatory Framework) Amendment Act 2018 Section 3(1) telecommunications service inserted 13 November 2018 section 40 Telecommunications (New Regulatory Framework) Amendment Act 2018 Section 3(1) telephone device inserted 13 November 2018 section 40 Telecommunications (New Regulatory Framework) Amendment Act 2018 Section 3(2) repealed 13 November 2018 section 40 Telecommunications (New Regulatory Framework) Amendment Act 2018
4: Act binds the Crown
This Act binds the Crown. Purposes and principles
5: Purpose of this Act relating to interception capability
The purpose of this Act in relation to interception capability is to—
a: ensure that surveillance agencies are able to effectively carry out the lawful interception of telecommunications under an interception warrant or any other lawful interception authority; and
b: ensure that surveillance agencies, in obtaining assistance for the interception of telecommunications, do not create barriers to the introduction of new or innovative telecommunications technologies; and
c: ensure that network operators and service providers have the freedom to choose system design features and specifications that are appropriate for their own purposes.
6: Principles relating to interception capability
The following principles must be applied by persons who exercise powers and carry out duties under this Act in relation to interception capability, if those principles are relevant to those powers or duties:
a: the principle that the privacy of telecommunications that are not subject to an interception warrant or any other lawful interception authority must be maintained to the extent provided for in law:
b: the principle that the interception of telecommunications, when authorised under an interception warrant or any other lawful interception authority, must be carried out without unduly interfering with any telecommunications.
7: Purpose of this Act relating to network security
The purpose of this Act in relation to network security is to prevent, sufficiently mitigate, or remove security risks arising from—
a: the design, build, or operation of public telecommunications networks; and
b: interconnections to or between public telecommunications networks in New Zealand or with networks overseas.
8: Principles relating to network security
1: The following principles must, as far as practicable, be applied by the Director and each network operator in relation to network security risks:
a: the principle that network security risks that might arise from a proposed decision, course of action, or change if implemented should be identified and addressed as early as possible:
b: the principle that the Director and each network operator should work co-operatively and collaboratively with each other in relation to the principle in paragraph (a).
2: The Director is subject to the principle that any decision or steps required of the Director for the purpose of exercising any function or power under Part 3
3: The Minister responsible for the Government Communications Security Bureau must, when making any decision or exercising any function or power under Part 3
4: The principle that the decision or exercise of the function or power should be proportionate to the network security risk.
5: In subsection (4), a decision or an exercise of a function or power is proportionate to the network security risk if the Minister is satisfied that it does not impose costs on network operators, customers, or end-users beyond those reasonably required to enable the network security risk to be prevented, sufficiently mitigated, or removed.
2: Interception capability duties
1: Duty to have full interception capability
9: Network operators must ensure public telecommunications networks and telecommunications services have full interception capability
1: A network operator must ensure that every public telecommunications network that the operator owns, controls, or operates, and every telecommunications service that the operator provides in New Zealand, has full interception capability.
2: However, subsection (1)—
a: does not require a network operator to ensure that all components of the public telecommunications network or telecommunications service referred to in that subsection have full interception capability; and
b: is sufficiently complied with if a network operator ensures, in whatever manner the network operator thinks fit, that at least 1 component of that network or service has full interception capability.
3: Without limiting subsection (1), the duty under that subsection to have full interception capability includes the duty to ensure that the interception capability is developed, installed, and maintained.
10: When duty to have full interception capability is complied with
1: A public telecommunications network or a telecommunications service has full interception capability if every surveillance agency that is authorised under an interception warrant or any other lawful interception authority to intercept telecommunications or services on that network, or the network operator concerned, is able to—
a: identify and intercept telecommunications without intercepting telecommunications that are not authorised to be intercepted under the warrant or lawful authority; and
b: obtain call associated data relating to telecommunications (other than telecommunications that are not authorised to be intercepted under the warrant or lawful authority); and
c: obtain call associated data and the content of telecommunications (other than telecommunications that are not authorised to be intercepted under the warrant or lawful authority) in a useable format; and
d: carry out the interception of telecommunications unobtrusively, without unduly interfering with any telecommunications, and in a manner that protects the privacy of telecommunications that are not authorised to be intercepted under the warrant or lawful authority; and
e: undertake the actions referred to in paragraphs (a) to (d) efficiently and effectively and,—
i: if it is reasonably achievable, at the time of transmission of the telecommunication; or
ii: if it is not reasonably achievable, as close as practicable to that time.
2: If a network operator, or an employee or agent of a network operator, undertakes the interception of a telecommunication on behalf of a surveillance agency under subsection (1), the interception must be taken to be complete when the network operator provides the call associated data or the content of the telecommunication, or both, to the surveillance agency.
3: A network operator must, in order to comply with subsection (1)﻿(c), decrypt a telecommunication on that operator's public telecommunications network or telecommunications service if—
a: the content of that telecommunication has been encrypted; and
b: the network operator intercepting the telecommunication has provided that encryption.
4: However, subsection (3) does not require a network operator to—
a: decrypt any telecommunication on that operator's public telecommunications network or telecommunications service if the encryption has been provided by means of a product that is—
i: supplied by a person other than the operator and is available to the public; or
ii: supplied by the operator as an agent for that product; and
b: ensure that a surveillance agency has the ability to decrypt any telecommunication.
5: In subsection (1)﻿(c), useable format
a: a format that is determined by a notice issued under section 42
b: a format that is acceptable to the network operator and the surveillance agency executing the interception warrant or other lawful interception authority.
2: Reduced duties
Preliminary
11: Interception ready
1: A network operator that is required by or under this subpart to ensure that a network or service is intercept ready—
a: must pre-deploy access points at suitable and sufficient concentration points on the network or service to allow an interception warrant or any other lawful interception authority relating to any of its customers to be given effect:
b: must reserve 1 or more network interfaces (that is, delivery ports) to which interception equipment can connect in order to deliver intercepted telecommunications to the surveillance agency; and
c: must reserve, for each reserved interface referred to in paragraph (b), sufficient bandwidth to deliver intercepted telecommunications content and call associated data to the relevant surveillance agency; and
d: when presented with an interception warrant or any other lawful interception authority must, free of charge,—
i: provide a suitable access point in its public telecommunications network or service for interception equipment:
ii: co-operate with authorised persons and allow them access to its premises:
iii: provide sufficient environmentally controlled space to house the interception equipment or provide sufficient backhaul to a suitable location where the equipment can be housed:
e: must, when compliance with the Act is required to be tested, comply with paragraphs (a) to (d).
2: A network operator referred to in section 13 14 section 115
12: Interception accessible
A network operator that is required by or under this subpart to ensure that a network or service is intercept accessible must, when presented with an interception warrant or any other lawful interception authority, be willing and able to—
a: provide a suitable access point in its public telecommunications network or service for interception equipment:
b: co-operate with authorised persons and allow them access to its premises:
c: provide sufficient environmentally controlled space to house the interception equipment or provide sufficient backhaul to a suitable location where the equipment can be housed. Lower-level compliance duties
13: Network operators with fewer than 4 000 customers
1: Subsection (2) applies if—
a: a network operator makes and keeps a record of the number of customers it has each month; and
b: the network operator has an average of less than 4 000 customers over a 6-month period; and
c: the network operator has made and kept the record referred to in paragraph (a) for each month of the 6-month period referred to in paragraph (b); and
d: the network operator has notified the Registrar within 10 days after the last day of the 6-month period referred to in paragraph (b) of the matters described in paragraphs (b) and (c).
2: If this section applies, the network operator—
a: does not have to comply with sections 9 10
b: must instead ensure that every public telecommunications network that the operator owns, controls, or operates, and every telecommunications service that the operator provides in New Zealand is intercept ready at all times.
3: Subsection (2) continues to apply to the network operator as long as the network operator—
a: continues to make and keep a record of the number of customers it has each month; and
b: continues to maintain an average of less than 4 000 customers per month over each successive 6-month period.
4: If the network operator referred to in subsection (2) subsequently has an average of 4 000 or more customers over a 6-month period ( disqualifying 6 months
a: the exemption in subsection (2)﻿(a) ceases to have effect on the date that is 6 months after the disqualifying 6 months; and
b: the network operator must comply with subsection (2)﻿(b) until the date that the exemption ceases to have effect.
5: This section is subject to section 19
6: The record referred to in subsection (1)﻿(a) must be made on the same working day of each month (or the next available working day, if that is not practicable).
14: Infrastructure-level services
1: A network operator does not have to comply with sections 9 10
2: This section is subject to section 19
15: Wholesale network services
1: A network operator does not have to comply with sections 9 10
2: A network operator who does not comply with sections 9 10
3: This section is subject to section 19 Ministerial directions and regulations relating to lower-level compliance duties
16: Overview of sections 17 to 19
1: The purpose of sections 17 to 19
a: in the case of a network or service that by the operation of section 13 15
b: direct that an infrastructure-level service or part of that service must be subject to a higher-level compliance duty.
2: The following duties are ranked according to the level of interception capability that is required to fulfil the duty (with the duty set out in paragraph (a) being the highest level compliance duty):
a: the duty to comply with sections 9 10
b: the duty to be intercept ready:
c: the duty to be intercept accessible.
3: This overview is by way of explanation only. If any provision of this Part conflicts with this overview, the other provision prevails.
17: Application for direction
1: A surveillance agency may make an application for a direction under section 19
2: The surveillance agency must, when applying for a direction, notify the affected network operator in writing of the application and specify in the notice a time, which must be reasonable in the circumstances, within which submissions may be made to the Minister on the application.
18: Process following application for direction
1: The affected network operator may make submissions to the Minister in relation to the application for direction within the time specified in the notice referred to in section 17(2)
2: The Minister must consult with the responsible Ministers and the Minister for Communications and Information Technology.
3: The matters that the Minister must take into account are—
a: whether the current level of interception capability on the affected network or service adversely affects national security or law enforcement; and
b: whether the cost of compliance would have a serious adverse effect on the business of the network operator; and
c: whether the new duties would unreasonably impair the provision of telecommunications services in New Zealand or competition in telecommunications markets or create barriers to the introduction of new or innovative technologies; and
d: any other matter that the Minister considers relevant in the circumstances.
4: The Minister must give primacy to the matter described in subsection (3)﻿(a).
19: Direction
1: The Minister must not make a direction under this section unless the Minister—
a: has taken into account the views, if any, of the persons referred to in section 18(2)
b: has taken into account the matters set out in section 18(3) and (4)
c: is satisfied on reasonable grounds that the direction is necessary for reasons of national security or law enforcement or both.
2: The Minister may,—
a: in the case of a network or service that under section 13 sections 9 10
b: in the case of an infrastructure-level service that under section 14 sections 9 10
i: be intercept accessible; or
ii: be intercept ready; or
iii: comply with sections 9 10
c: in the case of a wholesale network service that by the operation of section 15
i: be intercept ready; or
ii: comply with sections 9 10
3: The Minister must issue the direction in writing to the affected network operator.
4: The Minister must specify in the direction a time, which must be reasonable in the circumstances, by which the network operator must comply with the direction.
5: The reasons for the decision must be set out in the direction, except those parts of the reasons that would reveal classified information.
6: The Minister must not delegate to any person, other than another Minister, the power to make a direction under this section.
20: Regulations
1: The Governor-General may, by Order in Council, on the recommendation of the Minister, make regulations—
a: requiring all or part of a specified class of network or service to which section 13 sections 9 10
b: requiring all or part of a specified class of infrastructure-level service to which section 14
i: be intercept accessible; or
ii: be intercept ready; or
iii: comply with sections 9 10
c: requiring all or part of a specified class of wholesale network services to which section 15
i: be intercept ready; or
ii: comply with sections 9 10
2: The Minister must not recommend the making of regulations under subsection (1) unless the Minister—
a: has consulted with the telecommunications industry in accordance with the process set out in subsection (3):
b: has taken account of the matters set out in section 18(3) and (4)
c: has consulted with the responsible Ministers and the Minister for Communications and Information Technology; and
d: is satisfied that the commencement of the regulations allows for a reasonable time for compliance.
3: The consultation process referred to in subsection (2)﻿(a) requires that the Minister—
a: publish, on an Internet site operated by the Ministry, a notice that—
i: sets out the effect of the proposed regulations ( proposal
ii: invites submissions on the proposal to be made by a specified date; and
b: consider the submissions (if any) on the proposal.
4: Regulations under this section are secondary legislation ( see Part 3 The following table is small in size and has 3 columns that are grouped under the heading Legislation Act 2019 requirements for secondary legislation made under this section. Legislation Act 2019 requirements for secondary legislation made under this section Publication PCO must publish it on the legislation website and notify it in the Gazette LA19 s 69(1)﻿(c) Presentation The Minister must present it to the House of Representatives LA19 s 114 cl 32(1)﻿(a) Disallowance It may be disallowed by the House of Representatives LA19 ss 115 116 This note is not part of the Act. Section 20(4) inserted 28 October 2021 section 3 Secondary Legislation Act 2021
3: Related duties
21: Certain facilities not required to be intercept capable
A network operator is not required to have an interception capability on a telecommunication link that is used to interconnect 2 or more public telecommunications networks. 2004 No 19 s 9
22: Design of networks not affected by this Part
This Part does not authorise a surveillance agency or the Minister to—
a: require any person to adopt a specific design or feature for any network or service; or
b: prohibit any person from adopting any specific design or feature for any network or service. 2004 No 19 s 10
23: Duties relating to infrastructure-level services
A network operator that provides an infrastructure-level service must, despite anything to the contrary in any deed, contract, or other enactment or rule of law,—
a: ensure that the Registrar is advised of the names of all existing customers that purchase infrastructure-level services from the provider; and
b: ensure that the Registrar is advised of the names of any new customer—
i: at least 10 working days before providing or activating the infrastructure-level service to the customer; or
ii: if it is not reasonably practicable to comply with subparagraph (i), as soon as is reasonably practicable before providing or activating the infrastructure-level service to the customer.
24: Duty to assist
1: A surveillance agency to whom an interception warrant is issued, or any other lawful interception authority is granted, may, for the purpose of requiring assistance in the execution of the warrant or lawful authority, show to either or both of the persons referred to in subsection (2),—
a: in the case of an interception warrant issued to an intelligence and security agency, a copy of the relevant parts of the warrant; or
b: in any other case, a copy of the warrant or evidence of lawful authority.
2: The persons are—
a: a network operator; or
b: a service provider.
3: A person who is shown under subsection (1) a copy of an interception warrant or the relevant parts of the warrant, or evidence of any other lawful interception authority, must assist the surveillance agency by—
a: making available any of the person's officers, employees, or agents who are able to provide any reasonable technical assistance that may be necessary for the agency to intercept a telecommunication or otherwise give effect to the warrant or lawful authority; and
b: taking all other reasonable steps that are necessary for the purpose of giving effect to the warrant or lawful authority, which may include, but are not limited to, assistance to—
i: identify and intercept telecommunications without intercepting telecommunications that are not authorised to be intercepted under the warrant or lawful authority; and
ii: obtain call associated data relating to telecommunications (other than telecommunications that are not authorised to be intercepted under the warrant or lawful authority); and
iii: obtain call associated data and the content of telecommunications (other than telecommunications that are not authorised to be intercepted under the warrant or lawful authority) in a useable format; and
iv: carry out the interception of telecommunications unobtrusively, without unduly interfering with any telecommunications, and in a manner that protects the privacy of telecommunications that are not authorised to be intercepted under the warrant or lawful authority; and
v: undertake the actions referred to in subparagraphs (i) to (iv) efficiently and effectively and,—
A: if it is reasonably achievable, at the time of transmission of the telecommunication; or
B: if it is not reasonably achievable, as close as practicable to that time; and
vi: decrypt telecommunications where the person has provided the encryption.
4: Subsection (3)﻿(b)﻿(vi) does not require the person to—
a: decrypt any telecommunication on that person's public telecommunications network or telecommunications service if the encryption has been provided by means of a product that is—
i: supplied by the person as an agent for that product; or
ii: supplied by another person and is available to the public; and
b: ensure that a surveillance agency has the ability to decrypt any telecommunication.
5: A network operator or service provider must consult with the surveillance agency executing the warrant or lawful authority, regarding the most efficient way to undertake the decryption referred to in subsection (3)﻿(b)﻿(vi).
6: For the purposes of this section, a network operator may intercept a telecommunication on behalf of a surveillance agency.
7: In subsection (3)﻿(b)﻿(iii), useable format
a: the format determined by a notice issued under section 42
b: a format that is acceptable to—
i: the network operator or service provider; and
ii: the surveillance agency executing the warrant or lawful authority.
8: Nothing in this section affects the application of the common law defence of foreign state compulsion to a service provider outside New Zealand.
25: Wholesaler may charge
1: If—
a: a wholesaler is required under an interception warrant or any other lawful interception authority to provide another network operator ( A
b: the wholesaler's assistance is sought because A did not comply with any obligation under this Part,— the wholesaler may charge A, on a commercial basis, for any access, space, power, or any other thing or service that the wholesaler is required to provide for the purpose of giving effect to the warrant or lawful authority.
2: A designated officer may notify A in writing that the wholesaler is entitled to charge A under this section.
3: In this section, wholesaler
26: Duty to minimise impact of interception on third parties
Every person who, under an interception warrant or any other lawful interception authority, intercepts or assists in the interception of a telecommunication must take all practicable steps that are reasonable in the circumstances to minimise the likelihood of intercepting telecommunications that are not authorised to be intercepted under the warrant or lawful authority. 2004 No 19 s 14
27: Network operators may share resources
1: Nothing in this Act prevents network operators from co-ordinating, sharing, or contracting for services (whether equipment or staff) in order to meet the interception capability requirements in the Act.
2: However, any arrangement referred to in subsection (1) does not affect any obligations that apply to a network operator and that have been imposed by or under this Act.
28: Obligations relating to arrangements for interception services
1: Before a network operator enters into a contract or engages with any person for the provision of services to enable the network operator to comply with its obligations under this Part, the network operator must notify the Director in accordance with section 48 section 68
2: A network operator must ensure that any person that it enters into a contract or engages with for the provision of services to enable the network operator to comply with its obligations under this Part, complies with any applicable provisions of this Part.
4: Exemptions
29: Exemption
1: A designated officer may, in accordance with section 32
a: grant, subject to subsection (2), a network operator or class of network operators an exemption from all or any of the requirements of sections 9 10
b: grant a network operator or class of network operators an exemption from all or any of the requirements of section 13 section 11
c: grant a network operator or a class of network operators an exemption from all or any of the requirements of section 23
d: vary or revoke an exemption referred to in paragraph (a), (b), or (c).
2: An exemption under subsection (1)﻿(a) must not affect the requirements in section 10
3: An exemption under subsection (1)—
a: may, without limitation, apply to all or part of a specified service or network or class of service or network; and
b: may be subject to any terms and conditions specified by the designated officer.
4: The designated officer may grant an exemption under subsection (1) with or without application from a network operator.
5: An exemption, revocation, or variation under this section is secondary legislation ( see Part 3 The following table is small in size and has 3 columns that are grouped under the heading Legislation Act 2019 requirements for secondary legislation made under this section. Legislation Act 2019 requirements for secondary legislation made under this section Publication It is not required to be published LA19 s 73(2) Presentation It is not required to be presented to the House of Representatives because a transitional exemption applies under Schedule 1 LA19 s 114 cl 32(1)﻿(a) Disallowance It is not disallowable because an exemption applies under Schedule 3 LA19 s 115(d) Sch 3 This note is not part of the Act. Section 29(5) inserted 28 October 2021 section 3 Secondary Legislation Act 2021
30: Application for exemption
1: A network operator may apply to a designated officer for an exemption or a variation or revocation of an exemption under section 29(1)
2: The designated officer must notify the applicant of receipt of the application as soon as practicable.
3: The designated officer must advise the applicant of the decision as soon as practicable and no later than 20 working days after receipt of the application.
4: The designated officer may extend the time referred to in subsection (3) if—
a: the application relates to multiple services; or
b: the application raises new or complex technical or legal issues; or
c: responding within that time would cause unreasonable interference with the operations of a surveillance agency.
5: If subsection (4) applies, the designated officer must—
a: extend the time referred to in subsection (3) to a date not later than 3 months after receipt of the application, or to any later date to which the designated officer and the applicant have agreed; and
b: give the applicant a notice of extension within 20 working days of receiving the application.
6: The notice of extension must set out the reasons for the extension and the new time by which the designated officer must respond.
31: Effect of application for exemption or variation
1: The effect of an application under section 29(1)
a: in the case of an application for exemption, the applicant is treated as being exempt from the obligation for which the exemption is sought; or
b: in the case of an application to vary an exemption, the exemption is treated as being in force as varied.
2: Subsection (1) does not apply to an applicant if—
a: the designated officer considers, on reasonable grounds, that the applicant is persistently or repeatedly seeking the same or a similar exemption or variation in relation to the same matter, or seeking the same outcome, despite the application being refused; and
b: the designated officer has notified the applicant accordingly.
32: Decision-making process
1: The designated officer must, when considering whether to grant, vary, or revoke an exemption under section 29(1)
a: national security or law enforcement interests; and
b: the number of customers or end-users of the relevant network or service; and
c: the cost of compliance with the obligation for which an exemption is sought; and
d: whether compliance could be achieved appropriately by another means; and
e: any other matter that the designated officer considers relevant in the circumstances.
2: The designated officer must, when taking account of the matters set out in subsection (1), give primacy to subsection (1)﻿(a).
3: The designated officer must consult each of the surveillance agencies, as well as the applicant (if any), on the proposed decision.
4: The reasons for the decision must be set out in the decision, except those parts of the reasons that would reveal classified information.
5: The designated officer must issue a written notice of the decision to the applicant or, in the case of a class exemption, to the class of network operators who are affected by the decision.
6: Section 32(6) repealed 28 October 2021 section 3 Secondary Legislation Act 2021 Application to Minister
33: Application to Minister
1: A network operator whose application for an exemption or variation of an exemption has been wholly or partly declined, or whose exemption has been or is to be revoked, may apply to the Minister for a decision.
2: An application to the Minister must be made within 20 working days after the date on which the designated officer's decision on the application is issued, or the exemption is to be revoked.
3: The Minister must notify receipt of the application as soon as practicable.
4: An application to the Minister must not be materially different from the original application.
34: Minister may grant, vary, or revoke exemption
1: The Minister may, in accordance with section 36
a: grant, subject to subsection (2), a network operator or class of network operators an exemption from all or any of the requirements of sections 9 10
b: grant a network operator or class of network operators an exemption from all or any of the requirements of section 13 section 11
c: grant a network operator or a class of network operators an exemption from all or any of the requirements of section 23
d: vary or revoke an exemption referred to in paragraph (a), (b), or (c).
2: An exemption under subsection (1)﻿(a) must not affect the requirements in section 10
3: An exemption under subsection (1)—
a: may, without limitation, apply to all or part of a specified service or network or class of service or network; and
b: may be subject to any terms and conditions specified by the Minister.
4: An exemption, revocation, or variation under this section is secondary legislation ( see Part 3 The following table is small in size and has 3 columns that are grouped under the heading Legislation Act 2019 requirements for secondary legislation made under this section. Legislation Act 2019 requirements for secondary legislation made under this section Publication It is not required to be published LA19 s 73(2) Presentation It is not required to be presented to the House of Representatives because a transitional exemption applies under Schedule 1 LA19 s 114 cl 32(1)﻿(a) Disallowance It is not disallowable because an exemption applies under Schedule 3 LA19 s 115(d) Sch 3 This note is not part of the Act. Section 34(4) inserted 28 October 2021 section 3 Secondary Legislation Act 2021
35: Effect of application for exemption or variation
1: The effect of an application under section 33 section 32(5)
a: in the case of an application for exemption, the applicant is treated as being exempt from the obligation for which the exemption is sought; or
b: in the case of an application to vary an exemption, the exemption is treated as being in force as varied.
2: Subsection (1) does not apply to an applicant if—
a: the Minister considers, on reasonable grounds, that the applicant is persistently or repeatedly seeking the same or a similar exemption or variation in relation to the same matter, or seeking the same outcome, despite the application being refused; and
b: the Minister has notified the applicant accordingly.
36: Decision-making process
1: The Minister must consult the responsible Ministers and the Minister for Communications and Information Technology before making a decision on the application.
2: The Minister must decide the application as soon as is practicable.
3: The Minister must, when considering whether to grant, vary, or revoke an exemption, take account of the following matters:
a: national security or law enforcement interests; and
b: the number of customers or end-users of the relevant network or service; and
c: the cost of compliance with the obligation for which an exemption is sought; and
d: whether compliance could be achieved appropriately by another means; and
e: any other matter that the Minister considers relevant in the circumstances.
4: The Minister must, when taking account of the matters set out in subsection (3), give primacy to subsection (3)﻿(a).
5: The reasons for the decision must be set out in the decision, except those parts of the reasons that would reveal classified information.
6: The Minister must issue a written notice of the decision to the applicant or, in the case of a class exemption, to the class of network operators who are affected by the decision.
7: Section 36(7) repealed 28 October 2021 section 3 Secondary Legislation Act 2021
37: Regulations relating to class exemptions
1: The Governor-General may, by Order in Council, on the recommendation of the Minister, make regulations—
a: granting, subject to subsection (2), a class of network operators an exemption from all or any of the requirements of sections 9 10
b: granting a class of network operators an exemption from all or any of the requirements of section 13 section 11
c: granting a class of network operators an exemption from all or any of the requirements of section 23
2: Regulations under subsection (1)﻿(a) must not affect the requirements in section 10
3: Regulations under subsection (1) may, without limitation, apply to all or part of a specified service or network or class of service or network.
4: The Minister must not recommend the making of regulations under subsection (1) unless the Minister has—
a: taken account of the matters set out in section 36(3) and (4)
b: consulted the responsible Ministers and the Minister for Communications and Information Technology.
5: Regulations under this section are secondary legislation ( see Part 3 The following table is small in size and has 3 columns that are grouped under the heading Legislation Act 2019 requirements for secondary legislation made under this section. Legislation Act 2019 requirements for secondary legislation made under this section Publication PCO must publish it on the legislation website and notify it in the Gazette LA19 s 69(1)﻿(c) Presentation The Minister must present it to the House of Representatives LA19 s 114 cl 32(1)﻿(a) Disallowance It may be disallowed by the House of Representatives LA19 ss 115 116 This note is not part of the Act. Section 37(5) inserted 28 October 2021 section 3 Secondary Legislation Act 2021
5: Ministerial directions
Minister may require service providers to have same obligations as network operators
38: Minister may require service providers to have same obligations as network operators
1: The Minister may, at the application of a surveillance agency in accordance with this section, direct that a telecommunications service provider—
a: comply with one of the following duties:
i: the duty to comply with sections 9 10
ii: the duty to be intercept ready:
iii: the duty to be intercept accessible; and
b: be treated as having the same obligations and rights as a network operator under this Part (except for sections 13 to 20 23 Parts 1 4
2: A surveillance agency may make an application for a ministerial direction under this section only if—
a: the surveillance agency considers that lack of interception capability on the telecommunications service offered by that provider adversely affects national security or law enforcement; and
b: at the time of application, 1 or more telecommunications service offered by that provider is a service over which the surveillance agency could lawfully execute an interception warrant or any other lawful interception authority.
3: The surveillance agency must, when applying for a ministerial direction, notify the affected service provider in writing that it is applying for a direction under this section and specify in the notice a time, which must be reasonable in the circumstances, within which submissions may be made to the Minister on the application.
4: The affected service provider may make submissions to the Minister on the application.
5: The Minister must consult with the responsible Ministers and the Minister for Communications and Information Technology.
6: The Minister must not make a direction unless—
a: the Minister has taken into account the views, if any, of the Ministers referred to in subsection (5) and the affected service provider; and
b: the Minister has taken account of the matters set out in subsection (7); and
c: the Minister is satisfied on reasonable grounds that the direction is necessary for reasons of national security or law enforcement, or both.
7: The matters that the Minister must take into account are—
a: whether the current level of interception capability on any services provided by the affected service provider adversely affects national security or law enforcement; and
b: whether the cost of compliance would have a serious adverse effect on the business of the affected service provider; and
c: whether the new duties would unreasonably impair the provision of telecommunications services in New Zealand or competition in telecommunications markets or create barriers to the introduction of new or innovative technologies; and
d: any other matter that the Minister considers relevant in the circumstances.
8: The Minister must give primacy to the matter described in subsection (7)﻿(a).
9: The Minister must not delegate to any person, other than another Minister, the power to make a direction under this section.
39: Review
1: If a direction is made under section 38
2: On receiving a request for review, the Minister must appoint 3 suitably qualified persons to form a review panel.
3: In subsection (2), a person is suitably qualified if the person—
a: has experience in—
i: telecommunications technology; or
ii: national security or law enforcement; or
iii: competition in telecommunications markets; or
iv: international relations or international law; and
b: does not have any conflict of interest in relation to the direction; and
c: has or is able to obtain an appropriate security clearance.
4: The review panel must—
a: review all relevant submissions made to the Minister, and take into account all other relevant information; and
b: make recommendations to the Minister on whether the service provider should be treated as a network operator.
5: The Minister must, after considering the recommendations of the review panel, vary, confirm, or revoke the direction.
6: A summary of the review panel’s recommendations and reasons must be provided to the affected service provider, except those parts of the reasons that would reveal classified information.
40: Direction notice
1: If the Minister makes a direction under section 38
2: The direction—
a: must state which of the duties referred to in section 38(1)﻿(a)
b: must specify a time, which must be reasonable in the circumstances, by which the duty or duties must be complied with; and
c: may be subject to any terms and conditions specified by the Minister.
3: The effect of the direction is that this Part (except for sections 13 to 20 23 Parts 1 4
4: The Minister may, after consulting the Ministers referred to in section 38(5)
41: Regulations relating to service providers
1: The Governor-General may, by Order in Council, on the recommendation of the Minister, make regulations specifying that a class of service providers must—
a: comply with one of the following duties:
i: the duty to comply with sections 9 10
ii: the duty to be intercept ready:
iii: the duty to be intercept accessible; and
b: be treated as having the same obligations and rights as a network operator under this Part (except for sections 13 to 20 23 Parts 1 4
2: Regulations under subsection (1) may, without limitation, apply to all or part of a telecommunications service or class of telecommunications service.
3: The Minister must not recommend the making of regulations under subsection (1) unless the Minister—
a: has consulted the telecommunications industry in accordance with the process set out in subsection (4); and
b: has taken account of the matters set out in section 38(7)
c: has consulted with the Ministers referred to in section 38(5)
4: The consultation process referred to in subsection (3)﻿(a) requires that the Minister—
a: publish, on an Internet site operated by the Ministry, a notice that—
i: sets out the effect of the proposed regulations ( proposal
ii: invites submissions on the proposal to be made by a specified date; and
b: consider the submissions (if any) on the proposal.
5: The effect of the regulations is that this Part (except for sections 13 to 20 23 Parts 1 4
6: Regulations under this section are secondary legislation ( see Part 3 The following table is small in size and has 3 columns that are grouped under the heading Legislation Act 2019 requirements for secondary legislation made under this section. Legislation Act 2019 requirements for secondary legislation made under this section Publication PCO must publish it on the legislation website and notify it in the Gazette LA19 s 69(1)﻿(c) Presentation The Minister must present it to the House of Representatives LA19 s 114 cl 32(1)﻿(a) Disallowance It may be disallowed by the House of Representatives LA19 ss 115 116 This note is not part of the Act. Section 41(6) inserted 28 October 2021 section 3 Secondary Legislation Act 2021
6: Formatting
42: Notice relating to formatting
1: The Minister may
2: Before making a determination under subsection (1), the Minister must consult the telecommunications industry by—
a: publishing, on an Internet site operated by the Ministry, a notice that—
i: sets out the effect of the proposed notice ( proposal
ii: invites submissions on the proposal to be made by a specified date; and
b: considering the submissions (if any) on the proposal.
3: The determination
4: A determination under this section is secondary legislation ( see Part 3
5: Subpart 1 section 114 The following table is small in size and has 3 columns that are grouped under the heading Legislation Act 2019 requirements for secondary legislation made under this section. Legislation Act 2019 requirements for secondary legislation made under this section Publication The maker must publish it in the Gazette LA19 ss 73 74(1)﻿(a) cl 14 Presentation The Minister must present it to the House of Representatives LA19 s 114 cl 32(1)﻿(a) Disallowance It may be disallowed by the House of Representatives LA19 ss 115 116 This note is not part of the Act. Section 42(1) amended 28 October 2021 section 3 Secondary Legislation Act 2021 Section 42(3) amended 28 October 2021 section 3 Secondary Legislation Act 2021 Section 42(4) replaced 28 October 2021 section 3 Secondary Legislation Act 2021 Section 42(5) inserted 28 October 2021 section 3 Secondary Legislation Act 2021
43: Effect of changes to material incorporated by reference
1: This section applies if—
a: a network operator has an interception capability that conforms with a standard, specification, or requirement that has been incorporated by reference under section 42(3)
b: that standard, specification, or requirement is later amended or replaced.
2: If this section applies, the network operator is not under any duty to ensure the interception capability conforms to any changes to, or replacement of, the standard, specification, or requirement so long as the network operator ensures that the interception capability continues to conform to the earlier standard, specification, or requirement.
44: Formatting before commencement of this Act
A public telecommunications network or a telecommunications service that immediately before the commencement of this Act complied with section 8(1)﻿(c)
a: is not subject to section 10(5)﻿(a) 24(7)﻿(a)
b: may continue to use the format that it used immediately before the commencement of this Act for the purpose of section 10(1)﻿(c) 24(3)﻿(b)﻿(iii)
3: Network security
45: Application of this Part
This Part applies to network operators.
46: Network operators' duty to engage in good faith
1: A network operator must engage with the Director as soon as practicable after becoming aware of any network security risk that may arise if the proposed decision, course of action, or change is implemented.
2: A network operator must act honestly and in good faith when engaging with the Director in relation to any matter in this Part.
3: A network operator must provide the Director with access to any of its employees, contractors, or agents that, in the Director's opinion, are best placed to assist the Director in relation to a matter under this Part. Disclosure
47: Areas of specified security interest
1: In this section and section 48 area of specified security interest
a: network operations centres:
b: lawful interception equipment or operations:
c: any part of a public telecommunications network that manages or stores—
i: aggregated information about a significant number of customers:
ii: aggregated authentication credentials of a significant number of customers:
iii: administrative (privileged user) authentication credentials:
d: any place in a public telecommunications network where data belonging to a customer or end user aggregates in large volumes, being either data in transit or stored data:
e: any area prescribed under subsection (2).
2: The Governor-General may, by Order in Council, on the recommendation of the Minister responsible for the Government Communications Security Bureau, make regulations—
a: amending or removing an area of specified security interest listed in subsection (1):
b: prescribing additional areas of specified security interest.
3: The Minister must not recommend the making of regulations under subsection (2) unless—
a: the Minister has consulted network operators registered under Part 4
b: the Minister is satisfied that the regulations are necessary or desirable to—
i: keep up to date with changes in technology; or
ii: address changes in the way that networks are being used that may give rise to a security risk; or
iii: address any significant changes in architectural approach to the design of a public telecommunications network.
4: In this section,— administrative (privileged user) authentication credentials authentication credentials privileged user
5: Regulations under this section are secondary legislation ( see Part 3 The following table is small in size and has 3 columns that are grouped under the heading Legislation Act 2019 requirements for secondary legislation made under this section. Legislation Act 2019 requirements for secondary legislation made under this section Publication PCO must publish it on the legislation website and notify it in the Gazette LA19 s 69(1)﻿(c) Presentation The Minister must present it to the House of Representatives LA19 s 114 cl 32(1)﻿(a) Disallowance It may be disallowed by the House of Representatives LA19 ss 115 116 This note is not part of the Act. Section 47(5) inserted 28 October 2021 section 3 Secondary Legislation Act 2021
48: Network operator must notify Director
1: A network operator must notify the Director of any proposed decision, course of action, or change made by or on behalf of the network operator regarding—
a: the procurement or acquisition of any equipment, system, or service that falls within an area of specified security interest; or
b: any change—
i: to the architecture of any equipment, system, or service that falls within an area of specified security interest; or
ii: that may affect the ownership, control, oversight, or supervision of any equipment, system, or service that falls within an area of specified security interest.
2: The network operator must—
a: comply with subsection (1)﻿(a) before any steps are taken, as part of the procurement or acquisition decision-making process, to approach the market (whether by request for quote, tender, or otherwise) or comply with subsection (1)﻿(b) during the development of a business or change proposal; and
b: ensure any notice given to the Director in compliance with subsection (1) is given within sufficient time for the Director to consider whether to take action under section 51
49: Exemption from section 46(1) or 48
1: The Director may, by written notice, exempt a network operator or a class of network operators from any of the requirements in section 46(1) 48
2: The exemption may be granted for any period specified by the Director and on any terms and conditions that the Director thinks fit.
3: The Director may by written notice vary or revoke an exemption granted under this section.
4: The Director may give a notice under this section relating to a network operator directly to the network operator concerned.
5: An exemption, variation, or revocation under this section is secondary legislation ( see Part 3 The following table is small in size and has 3 columns that are grouped under the heading Legislation Act 2019 requirements for secondary legislation made under this section. Legislation Act 2019 requirements for secondary legislation made under this section Publication The maker must publish it on a website operated by the Government Communications Security Bureau LA19 ss 73 74(1)﻿(a) cl 14 Presentation It is not required to be presented to the House of Representatives because a transitional exemption applies under Schedule 1 LA19 s 114 cl 32(1)﻿(a) Disallowance It is not disallowable because an exemption applies under Schedule 3 LA19 s 115(d) Sch 3 This note is not part of the Act. Section 49(5) replaced 28 October 2021 section 3 Secondary Legislation Act 2021 Process for preventing or mitigating network security risks
50: Consideration of network security risk by Director or Minister
1: When considering whether a network security risk or significant network security risk is raised under this Part, the Director, or if the case requires, the Minister responsible for the Government Communications Security Bureau,—
a: must consider the likelihood that the matter giving rise to the risk will lead to—
i: the compromising or degrading of the public telecommunications network; and
ii: the impairment of the confidentiality, availability, or integrity of telecommunications across the network; and
b: must consider the potential effect that an event described in paragraph (a)﻿(i) or (ii) will have on the provision of—
i: central or local government services:
ii: services within the finance sector:
iii: services within the energy sector:
iv: services within the food sector:
v: communication services:
vi: transport services:
vii: health services:
viii: education services; and
c: may consider any other matter that the Director or Minister considers relevant.
2: In subsection (1)﻿(a), the matter giving rise to the risk
a: any proposed decision, course of action, or change that, if implemented, will give rise to the network security risk or significant network security risk; or
b: any decision that has been implemented, binding legal arrangement, or course of action or change that has commenced that gives rise to the network security risk or significant network security risk.
51: Process for addressing network security risks
1: If the Director becomes aware of a proposed decision, course of action, or change by a network operator that, in the Director's opinion, would, if implemented, raise a network security risk other than a minimal network security risk,—
a: the Director must advise the network operator of the matter as soon as practicable; and
b: the network operator must not implement or give effect to the proposed decision, course of action, or change—
i: unless and to the extent that those actions are consistent with or give effect to a proposal or part of a proposal (relating to the proposed decision, course of action, or change) accepted by the Director under section 52 section 57
ii: unless the Director has referred a matter (arising from the proposal) to the Minister responsible for the Government Communications Security Bureau under section 54
iii: unless the Director has notified the network operator that the Director has not accepted the proposal but has decided not to refer the matter to the Minister under section 54
2: The Director must provide a written notice to the network operator that relates to the matter referred to in subsection (1).
3: The network operator must, as soon as practicable, respond in writing to the notification by providing the Director with a proposal to prevent or sufficiently mitigate the network security risk.
4: A notice under subsection (2) and a proposal under subsection (3) must comply with any requirements prescribed in regulations made under section 127
52: Assessment of response by network operator
1: The Director must assess whether the proposal will, if implemented, prevent or sufficiently mitigate the network security risk.
2: If the Director is satisfied that the proposal or part of the proposal will, if implemented, prevent or sufficiently mitigate the network security risk, the Director must accept the proposal or that part of the proposal and advise the network operator accordingly in writing.
3: If the Director does not accept the proposal or part of the proposal, the Director must—
a: decide, at the same time, whether or not to refer the matter to the Minister responsible for the Government Communications Security Bureau under section 54
b: advise the network operator of his or her decision accordingly in writing.
53: Network operator must implement response
The network operator must implement those parts of the proposal accepted by the Director under section 52(2)
54: Director may refer matter to Minister
If the Director considers that the proposal or part of the proposal does not prevent or sufficiently mitigate a significant network security risk, the Director—
a: may, after complying with section 56 section 57
b: must, if a referral is made, inform the network operator that it may make submissions on the matter directly to the Minister, and specify a time, which must be reasonable in the circumstances, by which those submissions must be made.
55: Failure to comply
1: This section applies if,—
a: despite being advised under section 51
b: a network operator fails to comply with a requirement of this Part or a requirement to supply information or a class of information under section 78
2: If this section applies, the Director—
a: may, after complying with section 56 section 57
b: must, if a referral is made, inform the network operator that it may make submissions on the matter directly to the Minister, and specify a time, which must be reasonable in the circumstances, by which those submissions must be made.
56: Review by Commissioner of
Intelligence
1: If the Director is of the opinion that a significant network security risk exists or may arise and is intending or considering whether to refer the matter to the Minister responsible for the Government Communications Security Bureau under section 54 55
a: the Director must, before referring the matter, notify the Chief Commissioner of Intelligence Warrants
b: on receipt of the notice, the Chief Commissioner of Intelligence Warrants must arrange for a review to be conducted in accordance with this section by a Commissioner as soon as practicable.
2: The Director must make available to the Commissioner all of the material (including any classified information) that informed the Director's opinion.
3: The Commissioner must consider whether the significant network security risk identified by the Director exists or may arise by—
a: assessing the material made available to him or her; and
b: considering the matters that the Director was required to consider under section 50(1)﻿(a)
c: considering any other matter that the Director, under section 50(1)﻿(c)
4: The Commissioner must prepare a report on the Commissioner's consideration, under subsection (3), of the significant network security risk identified by the Director and—
a: give a copy of the report to the Director; and
b: give a copy of the report to the affected network operator, except those parts of the report that would reveal any classified information.
5: The Commissioner must not, when conducting the review, seek or accept any further communications from the affected network operator or the Director (except as provided in subsection (2)).
6: Any material made available to the Commissioner under this section must be kept secure and confidential, and returned to the Director when the review is completed.
7: If the Director decides to refer the matter to the Minister, the Director must, when referring the matter, give the Minister a copy of the Commissioner's report under this section.
8: In this section and section 57 Chief Commissioner of Intelligence Warrants section 4 Commissioner section 4 Section 56 heading amended 28 September 2017 section 335 Intelligence and Security Act 2017 Section 56(1)﻿(a) amended 28 September 2017 section 335 Intelligence and Security Act 2017 Section 56(1)﻿(b) replaced 28 September 2017 section 335 Intelligence and Security Act 2017 Section 56(8) replaced 28 September 2017 section 335 Intelligence and Security Act 2017
57: Minister may make direction
1: The Minister responsible for the Government Communications Security Bureau may make a direction under this section only if the Minister—
a: has been referred a matter under section 54 55
b: has considered any submissions from the affected network operator; and
c: has considered the report of the Commissioner under section 56
d: has consulted the Minister for Communications and Information Technology and the Minister of Trade; and
e: is satisfied that exercising his or her powers under this section is necessary to prevent, sufficiently mitigate, or remove a significant network security risk.
2: Before making a direction under this section, the Minister must—
a: have regard to—
i: the nature and extent of the network security risk:
ii: the impact on the network operator of meeting costs associated with the direction:
iii: the potential consequences that the direction may have on competition and innovation in telecommunications markets:
iv: the anticipated benefits to New Zealand from preventing, sufficiently mitigating, or removing the network security risk:
v: the principle in section 8(4)
vi: the potential impact of the direction on trade:
vii: any other matters that the Minister considers relevant; and
b: be satisfied that the direction is consistent with the purpose in section 7
3: A direction under this section—
a: may require a network operator to take steps, as specified by the Minister, to prevent, sufficiently mitigate, or remove the significant network security risk, and those steps may include—
i: requiring the network operator to cease a particular activity or to do or refrain from doing a particular activity in the future; or
ii: directing the network operator to make changes to, or remove, any particular system, equipment, service, component, or operation on or related to the network; and
b: may provide for any other relevant matter.
4: The Minister must ensure that any time by which a network operator must comply with a requirement of the direction is specified in the direction and is reasonable in the circumstances.
5: The Minister must issue the direction in writing to the affected network operator together with reasons, except those parts of the reasons that would reveal classified information.
6: The Minister must not delegate to any person, other than another Minister, the power to make a direction under this section.
58: Guidelines
1: The Director may issue guidelines on any requirements under this Part that apply to network operators.
2: Any guidelines issued under this section are not binding.
3: However, in any proceeding relating to this Act, evidence of a network operator’s compliance with any guidelines issued under this section is to be treated as evidence of compliance with the applicable requirements.
59: Director must comply with regulations made under section 126 relating to time frames
The Director must comply with any regulations made under section 126
4: Registration, enforcement, and miscellaneous provisions
1: Registration
Network operators must register
60: Network operators must register
1: A person that is, on the commencement of this section, a network operator must be registered on the register within 3 months after that commencement.
2: A person that, after the commencement of this section, becomes a network operator must be registered on the register within 3 months after the person becomes a network operator.
61: Application for registration
An application for registration must—
a: be made to the Registrar; and
b: contain the information specified in section 62
c: be accompanied by a certificate signed by the chief executive of the network operator confirming that the information contained in the application is true and correct; and
d: otherwise be made in the form or manner required by the Registrar.
62: Registration information
1: The information referred to in section 61(b)
a: the name of the network operator:
b: the name and contact details of a suitable employee of the network operator who will be responsible for dealing with issues raised by a surveillance agency relating to interception capability or an interception warrant or any other lawful interception authority:
c: the name and contact details of a suitable employee of the network operator who will be responsible for dealing with issues raised by the Director relating to network security:
d: the total number of the network operator's customers:
e: in the case of a network operator that offers retail services, an estimate of the total number of end-users across all telecommunications services:
f: the total number of connections for wholesale network services:
g: the geographical coverage of the network operator's telecommunications services and public telecommunications networks (for example, by reference to the name of a region or to national coverage):
h: the particulars of any outsourcing arrangement (including the date of the arrangement, the names of the parties to it, and its general nature):
i: the types of telecommunications services provided by the network operator (for example, mobile, email, or Voice over Internet Protocol services):
j: an address for service of notices under this Act:
k: whether the network operator is subject to—
i: the duty to comply with sections 9 10
ii: the duty to be intercept ready; or
iii: the duty to be intercept accessible.
2: The information specified in this section must be prepared as at the date of the application (or, in the case of an annual update, as at the date of that update). Register
63: Register of network operators
1: The Commissioner of Police must establish a register of network operators (the register
2: The Registrar must maintain the register.
64: Purpose of register
The purpose of the register is to assist any surveillance agency in the exercise or performance of its powers, functions, or duties under this Act.
65: Contents of register
The register must contain—
a: the information referred to in section 62
b: the information provided to the Registrar under section 23
66: Operation of and access to register
1: The register may be kept as an electronic register or in any other manner that the Registrar thinks fit.
2: The register must be available for access and searching by surveillance agencies (including by any employee or other person acting on behalf of a surveillance agency) at all times unless suspended under subsection (4).
3: The register is not available for access or searching by any person other than a designated officer or a surveillance agency (or any employee or other person acting on its behalf).
4: The Registrar may refuse access to the register or suspend its operation, in whole or in part, if the Registrar considers that it is not practical to provide access to the register.
67: Registrar must keep register secure
1: The Registrar must take reasonable steps to ensure that the register is not available for access or searching by any person other than a designated officer or a surveillance agency (or any employee or other person acting on its behalf).
2: This section and section 66 Changes to register
68: Network operators must notify Registrar of key changes
1: A network operator must give to the Registrar written notice of any relevant change no later than 20 working days before the change takes effect.
2: However, if it is not reasonably practicable to comply with subsection (1), the network operator must give to the Registrar written notice of the relevant change as soon as is reasonably practicable.
3: A network operator must give to the Registrar written notice of a threshold change no later than 10 working days after the date on which the change was identified, or ought reasonably to have been identified, by the operator.
4: In this section,— relevant change
a: the name of the network operator:
b: the name and contact details of a suitable employee of the network operator who will be responsible for dealing with issues raised by a surveillance agency relating to interception capability or an interception warrant or any other lawful interception authority:
c: the name and contact details of a suitable employee of the network operator who will be responsible for dealing with issues raised by the Director relating to network security:
d: the geographical coverage of the network operator's telecommunications services and public telecommunications networks:
e: the outsourcing arrangements of the network operator:
f: the types of telecommunications services provided by the network operator threshold change
69: Annual update
1: A network operator must give to the Registrar each year in November an annual update of information on the register relating to that operator.
2: The annual update must—
a: specify any changes to the information referred to in section 62 section 68 section 61
b: confirm that, apart from the changes under paragraph (a), all other information referred to in section 62
c: be in the form (if any) required by the Registrar; and
d: be accompanied by a certificate signed by the chief executive of the network operator confirming that the information contained in the annual update is true and correct.
3: An annual update does not need to be provided in the year during which this section comes into force.
70: Registrar may deregister person
The Registrar may remove a person from the register if the Registrar is satisfied that the person has—
a: ceased to exist; or
b: ceased to have the obligations of a network operator under this Act; or
c: otherwise ceased to be a network operator.
71: Registrar may amend register
The Registrar may amend the register if—
a: a notice under section 68
b: a network operator informs the Registrar of information that is different from the information entered on the register:
c: the Registrar is satisfied at any time that the register contains an error or a mistake or omits information given to the Registrar.
2: Registrar and other designated officers
72: Appointment of designated officers
1: The Commissioner of Police must, by notice in the Gazette
2: A copy of the notice under subsection (1) must be published on an Internet site maintained by or on behalf of the New Zealand Police.
73: Appointment of Registrar
1: The Commissioner of Police must, by notice in the Gazette
2: A copy of the notice under subsection (1) must be published on an Internet site maintained by or on behalf of the New Zealand Police.
74: Power of designated officer to delegate
1: The Registrar or any other designated officer may delegate to any person, either generally or particularly, any of the Registrar’s or other designated officer's functions, duties, and powers except the power of delegation.
2: A delegation—
a: must be in writing; and
b: may be made subject to any restrictions and conditions the Registrar or designated officer thinks fit; and
c: is revocable at any time, in writing; and
d: does not prevent the performance or exercise of a function, duty, or power by the Registrar or designated officer.
3: A person to whom any functions, duties, or powers are delegated may perform and exercise them in the same manner and with the same effect as if they had been conferred directly by this Act and not by delegation.
4: A person who appears to act under a delegation is presumed to be acting in accordance with its terms in the absence of evidence to the contrary.
3: Secret-level government-sponsored security clearance
75: Network operator must nominate employee to apply for clearance
1: A network operator must, within 10 working days after being required to do so under subsection (2), (3), or (4),—
a: nominate a suitable employee to apply for a secret-level government-sponsored security clearance (a clearance
b: notify the employee of the nomination; and
c: give written notice of the name and contact details of that employee to the Registrar.
2: A designated officer may, by written notice served on a network operator, require the operator to comply with subsection (1) unless section 13
3: If a network operator is notified that an application under section 76 section 76(2)
4: If a network operator is notified that its employee's clearance has expired or been revoked for any reason, the network operator must comply again with subsection (1) (to re-nominate the same employee (unless his or her clearance was revoked) or to nominate another employee).
76: Nominated person must apply
1: A designated officer must, by written notice served on the employee nominated under section 75
2: The employee must, within 10 working days after being notified under subsection (1), apply for the clearance.
4: General information-gathering powers
77: Designated officer may require information in order to assist surveillance agency
1: If a designated officer considers it necessary or desirable for any specified purpose, the designated officer may, by written notice served on any network operator, require the operator—
a: to supply to the designated officer or a surveillance agency any information or class of information specified in the notice; or
b: to produce to the designated officer or a surveillance agency, or to a person specified in the notice acting on the agency's behalf, any document or class of documents specified in the notice; or
c: if necessary, to reproduce, or assist in reproducing, in usable form, information recorded or stored in any document or class of documents specified in the notice.
2: In subsection (1), specified purpose
a: enforce compliance with the duties under this Act relating to interception capability:
b: execute an interception warrant or any other lawful interception authority:
c: otherwise perform or exercise any of its functions, powers, or duties under this Act in relation to interception capability or an interception warrant or any other lawful interception authority.
3: A network operator must comply with the notice in the manner specified in the notice.
4: A designated officer may exercise the power under subsection (1) at the request of a surveillance agency (in which case, the officer must promptly supply information or documents obtained under subsection (1) to the surveillance agency).
78: Director of Government Communications Security Bureau may require information
1: If the Director considers it necessary or desirable for any specified purpose, the Director may, by written notice served on any network operator, require the operator—
a: to supply to the Director any information or class of information specified in the notice; or
b: to produce to the Director, or to a person specified in the notice acting on his or her behalf, any document or class of documents specified in the notice; or
c: if necessary, to reproduce, or assist in reproducing, in usable form, information recorded or stored in any document or class of documents specified in the notice.
2: In subsection (1), specified purpose
a: enforcing compliance with the duties under this Act relating to network security; or
b: otherwise performing or exercising any of the Director's functions, powers, or duties under this Act in relation to network security.
3: A network operator must comply with the notice in the manner specified in the notice.
79: Time for compliance
A network operator must comply with a notice under section 77 78
a: 20 working days after the date of the notice; or
b: a later time that is specified in the notice.
80: Network operator must comply despite any other enactment or any breach of confidence, etc
1: A network operator must comply with a notice under section 77 78
2: A network operator must comply with a notice under section 77 78
a: the disclosure of commercially sensitive information; or
b: a breach of an obligation of confidence.
3: However, every person has the same privileges in relation to providing information and documents under section 77 78
81: Miscellaneous provisions
1: Information supplied in response to a notice under section 77(1)﻿(a) 78(1)﻿(a)
a: given in writing; and
b: accompanied by a certificate that confirms that, to the best of the network operator's knowledge, the information supplied complies with requirements of the notice.
2: If a document is produced in response to a notice under section 77 78 section 77(4)
a: inspect and make records of that document; and
b: take copies of the document or extracts from the document.
3: Nothing in section 77 78
5: Compliance testing
82: Designated officer may require compliance testing
1: If a designated officer considers it necessary or desirable for the purposes of assisting a surveillance agency to perform or exercise any of its functions, powers, or duties under Part 2
a: ensure that the equipment and procedures comply with the duties that apply to the operator by or under Part 2
b: identify any deficiencies in the equipment and procedures in terms of that compliance.
2: The notice may specify various times for completing the testing in stages and a final date for completing the testing.
3: Each of those times must be reasonable in the circumstances and must be set after having regard to any submissions made under section 83(1)﻿(b)
4: The network operator must comply with the notice within the time or times and in the manner specified in the notice.
83: Process for consulting on times
1: A designated officer must, before serving a notice under section 82
a: serve on the network operator written notice stating—
i: that the officer may exercise a power under section 82
ii: the telecommunications service to which the notice under section 82
iii: the reasons why the officer is considering exercising that power; and
b: give to the network operator an opportunity to make written submissions relating to the time or times within which the operator must carry out the testing under a notice under section 82
2: A designated officer must serve the notice under subsection (1) at least 10 working days before it serves a notice under section 82
6: Certification
84: Designated officer may require certification as to compliance
1: A designated officer may, by written notice served on a network operator, require a chief executive of the operator to certify that, after due inquiry, the chief executive is satisfied as to 1 or more of the following:
a: that adequate resources have been allocated by the operator to secure compliance with its duties under Part 2
b: that the operator maintains and operates interception capability in compliance with this Act:
c: that the operator is otherwise complying with Part 2
2: If a chief executive is unable to give the certification because the chief executive is not satisfied as referred to in subsection (1), the chief executive must, instead of giving the certification, give written notice to the designated officer of the reasons for being unable to give the certification (including details of any failure to comply with this Act and whether the operator has applied for, or intends to apply for, an exemption under subpart 4 of Part 2
3: The certification (or notice under subsection (2)) must be given within the time and in the manner specified in the notice under subsection (1).
4: The time specified in the notice under subsection (1) must be reasonable in the circumstances.
85: Due inquiry
1: A chief executive who is required to make due inquiry section 84
a: he or she receives information or advice about the matter from another person who he or she believes on reasonable grounds is reliable and competent; and
b: the information or advice received—
i: is of the same kind and standard as that which could reasonably be expected to be supplied in the ordinary course of management of businesses of the same kind to persons in the same kind of position; and
ii: does not state or indicate that further information, advice, or investigation is or may be required; and
c: he or she has no reason to believe that the information or advice is or may be incorrect.
2: Nothing in subsection (1) limits the ways in which a chief executive may make due inquiry about a matter.
86: Designated officer may give certificate to surveillance agency
A designated officer may give any information obtained under this subpart to a surveillance agency.
7: Enforcement
87: Interpretation
In this subpart,—
a: a non-compliance with this Act is minor sections 23 28 48 51(3) 60 61 68 69 75 76(2) 77 to 81 82(4) 84
b: a non-compliance with this Act is serious sections 9 10 11 12 13 15 24 26 53 57 88(4) Breach notices and enforcement notices
88: Breach notice may be issued for minor non-compliance
1: This section applies if a surveillance agency considers on reasonable grounds that—
a: a person ( A
b: the non-compliance is minor.
2: The surveillance agency may serve a notice on A under this section (a breach notice
3: The breach notice must identify the duties that have not been complied with.
4: A must comply with the breach notice within the time and in the manner specified in the notice (and a failure to so comply is serious).
5: The time specified in the breach notice must be reasonable in the circumstances.
89: Breach notice may request consent to enter and inspect in connection with duties under Part 2
1: This section applies if a breach notice relates to a failure to comply with a duty under Part 2
2: A breach notice may request a network operator to consent to the surveillance agency entering a relevant place for the purpose of gathering evidence relating to the failure referred to in subsection (1) by—
a: inspecting and making records of information, documents, or equipment that is related to the network operator's duties under Part 2
b: taking copies of those documents or extracts from those documents.
3: If a breach notice contains a request under subsection (2), the notice must also—
a: advise the network operator of the reason for the request; and
b: advise the network operator that the evidence that is gathered may be admissible in proceedings relating to the failure referred to in subsection (1); and
c: advise the network operator that it may either consent to the request or refuse to consent to the request.
4: If the network operator consents to the request, the surveillance agency (including any employee or other person acting on its behalf) may carry out an entry, an inspection, and any other action referred to in subsection (2) in accordance with the terms of the consent.
5: In this section, relevant place
a: that is owned, occupied, or controlled by the network operator; and
b: that the surveillance agency believes on reasonable grounds contains information, documents, or equipment that is related to the network operator's duties under Part 2
90: Enforcement notice may be issued for serious non-compliance
1: This section applies if a surveillance agency considers on reasonable grounds that—
a: a person has a duty under this Act; and
b: the person has not complied with that duty; and
c: the non-compliance is serious.
2: The surveillance agency may serve a notice on a person under this section (an enforcement notice
a: is satisfied that the person has not complied with the duties specified in the notice and that the non-compliance is serious; and
b: may make an application to the High Court under this subpart on or after a specified date.
91: Application for compliance order or pecuniary penalty order
1: A surveillance agency may apply to the High Court for an order under section 92 97
a: it has given an enforcement notice; and
b: the application is made on or after the date specified under section 90(2)﻿(b)
2: However, a surveillance agency may apply to the High Court for an order under section 97
3: No person other than a surveillance agency (or an employee or other person acting on its behalf) may make an application for an order under section 92 97 Compliance orders
92: Power of High Court to order compliance
1: If a person has not complied with any of the duties under this Act and the non-compliance is serious, the High Court may, for either or both of the purposes specified in subsection (2), make a compliance order requiring that person—
a: to do any specified thing; or
b: to cease any specified activity.
2: The purposes are—
a: to remedy, mitigate, or avoid any adverse effects arising or likely to arise from any non-compliance with the duties referred to in subsection (1):
b: to prevent any further non-compliance with those duties.
3: A compliance order may be made on the terms and conditions that the High Court thinks fit, including the provision of security or the entry into a bond for performance.
93: Right to be heard
Before deciding an application for a compliance order, the High Court must—
a: hear the applicant; and
b: hear any person against whom the order is sought who wishes to be heard.
94: Decision on application
After considering an application for a compliance order, the High Court may—
a: make a compliance order under section 92
b: refuse the application.
95: Appeals to Court of Appeal
1: A party to a proceeding relating to an application for a compliance order or any other person prejudicially affected may, with the leave of the Court of Appeal, appeal to that court if the High Court—
a: has made or refused to make a compliance order; or
b: has otherwise finally determined or has dismissed the proceedings.
2: On an appeal to the Court of Appeal under this section, the Court of Appeal has the same power to adjudicate on the proceedings as the High Court had.
96: Effect of appeal
Except where the Court of Appeal otherwise directs,—
a: the operation of a compliance order is not suspended by an appeal under section 95
b: every compliance order may be enforced in the same manner and in all respects as if that appeal were not pending. Pecuniary penalty orders
97: Pecuniary penalty for contravention of duties or compliance order
1: This section applies if the High Court is satisfied, on the application of a surveillance agency, that a person—
a: has not complied with any of the duties under this Act and that the non-compliance is serious; or
b: has acted in contravention of a compliance order.
2: The court may order the person to pay to the Crown any pecuniary penalty that the court determines to be appropriate.
3: Proceedings under this section may be commenced within 3 years after the matter giving rise to the contravention was discovered or ought reasonably to have been discovered.
98: Amount of pecuniary penalty
1: The amount of any pecuniary penalty under section 97
2: In the case of a continuing contravention of a compliance order, the High Court may, in addition to any pecuniary penalty ordered to be paid under section 97
99: Considerations for court in determining pecuniary penalty
In determining an appropriate pecuniary penalty, the High Court must have regard to all relevant matters, including—
a: the purposes of this Act; and
b: the nature and extent of the contravention; and
c: the nature and extent of any loss or damage suffered by any person, or gains made or losses avoided by the person in contravention, because of the contravention; and
d: the circumstances in which the contravention took place; and
e: whether or not the person in contravention has previously been found by the court in proceedings under this Act, or any other enactment, to have engaged in any similar conduct. Civil proceedings
100: Rules of civil procedure and civil standard of proof apply
1: The proceedings under this subpart are civil proceedings, and the usual rules of court and rules of evidence and procedure for civil proceedings apply (including the standard of proof).
2: This section is subject to subpart 8
8: Protecting classified information
101: Application of subpart
This subpart applies to any proceedings in a court relating to the administration or enforcement of this Act.
102: Classified security information and other terms defined
1: In this subpart, classified security information
a: that is relevant to any proceedings in a court that relate to the administration or enforcement of this Act (or to any intended proceedings); and
b: that is held by a surveillance agency; and
c: that the head of the surveillance agency certifies in writing cannot be disclosed except to the extent provided in this subpart because, in the opinion of the head of the surveillance agency,—
i: the information is information of a kind specified in subsection (2); and
ii: disclosure of the information would be disclosure of a kind specified in subsection (3).
2: Information falls within subsection (1)﻿(c)﻿(i) if it—
a: might lead to the identification of, or provide details of, the source of the information, the nature, content, or scope of the information, or the nature or type of the assistance or operational methods available to the surveillance agency; or
b: is about particular operations that have been undertaken, or are being or are proposed to be undertaken, in relation to any of the functions of the surveillance agency; or
c: has been provided to the surveillance agency by the government of another country or by an agency of a government of another country or by an international organisation, and is information that cannot be disclosed by the surveillance agency because the government or agency or organisation by which the information has been provided will not consent to the disclosure.
3: Disclosure of information falls within subsection (1)﻿(c)﻿(ii) if the disclosure would be likely—
a: to prejudice the security or defence of New Zealand or the international relations of the Government of New Zealand; or
b: to prejudice the entrusting of information to the Government of New Zealand on a basis of confidence by the government of another country or any agency of such a government, or by any international organisation; or
c: to prejudice the maintenance of the law, including the prevention, investigation, and detection of offences, and the right to a fair trial; or
d: to endanger the safety of any person.
4: In this subpart,— non-Crown party intended party section 105(1)﻿(a)﻿(i) intended proceedings section 105(1)﻿(a)﻿(ii) representative special advocate section 105(2)
103: Obligation to provide court with access to classified security information
1: The Crown must, after proceedings are commenced, provide the court with access to the classified security information that is relevant to those proceedings.
2: If a special advocate is appointed before proceedings are commenced, the Crown must provide the court with access to the classified security information that is relevant to the intended proceedings.
3: The court must keep confidential and must not disclose any information provided as classified security information, even if it considers that the information does not meet the criteria set out in section 102(2)
4: Subsection (3) applies both during and after completion of the proceedings.
104: Court orders
1: The court may, in order to comply with section 103(3)
a: an order forbidding publication of any report or account of the whole or any part of the evidence adduced or the submissions made in the proceedings:
b: an order forbidding the publication of the name of any witness or witnesses, or any name or particulars likely to lead to the identification of any witness or witnesses:
c: an order forbidding the publication of classified security information or information about classified security information:
d: an order excluding any person from the whole or any part of the court's proceedings, including—
i: the non-Crown party or the non-Crown party's representative; or
ii: staff of the court.
2: An order made under subsection (1)—
a: may be made for a limited period or permanently; and
b: if it is made for a limited period, may be renewed for a further period or periods by the court; and
c: if it is made permanently, may be reviewed by the court at any time.
105: Appointment of special advocate
1: This section applies if—
a: it appears to a court that—
i: a person (the intended party
ii: the intended party has notified the Crown that the party intends to commence those proceedings and that the party will apply for the appointment of a special advocate; or
b: proceedings have been commenced and information presented, or proposed to be presented, in those proceedings includes classified security information; or
c: proceedings have been commenced but the non-Crown party’s claim cannot be fully particularised without the non-Crown party being able to consider classified security information.
2: The court may, on the application of an intended party or non-Crown party, appoint a barrister or solicitor as a special advocate to represent the intended party’s or the non-Crown party's interests on the terms that the court may direct if the court is satisfied that it is necessary to do so in order to ensure either or both of the following:
a: that the intended party can properly prepare and commence proceedings:
b: that a fair hearing will occur.
3: The court must, before appointing a person as a special advocate, be satisfied that the person—
a: holds an appropriate security clearance that allows the person to see information that is or may be classified security information; and
b: is suitably qualified and experienced to fulfil the role of a special advocate.
4: A special advocate appointed to represent an intended party may, after the proceedings are commenced, continue to act as the special advocate on behalf of that person (as a non-Crown party), subject to the terms that the court may direct.
5: The court may make directions as to the terms of the appointment, and on the matters referred to in sections 108 109(3)
6: The appointment of a special advocate does not create an obligation requiring the intended party to commence proceedings.
7: The surveillance agency to which the proceedings or intended proceedings relate must meet the actual and reasonable costs of a special advocate on a basis—
a: agreed between the special advocate and the head of the surveillance agency; or
b: determined by the court (in default of agreement).
106: Nomination of person for appointment
1: Each of the following may nominate a barrister or solicitor to be appointed as the special advocate:
a: the Crown:
b: the intended party or the non-Crown party (as the case may be).
2: The court may appoint a person nominated under subsection (1) or another person.
107: Role of special advocates
1: The role of a special advocate is to represent an intended party or a non-Crown party.
2: In particular, a special advocate may—
a: prepare and commence proceedings on behalf of the person:
b: examine and cross-examine witnesses:
c: make oral and written submissions to the court:
d: assist in the settlement of the proceedings.
3: At all times, a special advocate must act in accordance with his or her duties as an officer of the High Court.
4: A special advocate must keep confidential and must not disclose classified security information, except as expressly provided or authorised under this Act.
108: Court may provide access to classified security information to special advocate
1: A special advocate may, before or after the commencement of proceedings, apply to the court for access to the classified security information.
2: The court may provide access to the classified security information to the special advocate on the terms that the court may direct.
109: Communication between special advocate and other persons
1: A special advocate may communicate with the relevant party or the relevant party's representative on an unlimited basis until the special advocate has been provided with access to the classified security information.
2: After the special advocate has been given access to the classified security information, he or she must not communicate with any person about any matter connected with the classified security information except in accordance with this section.
3: A special advocate who, after having been given access to the classified security information, wishes to communicate with the relevant party, the relevant party's representative, or any other person not referred to in subsection (4) may do so on the terms that the court may direct.
4: A special advocate may, without the approval of the court, communicate about any matter connected with the classified security information with—
a: the court:
b: the Crown's security-cleared representative:
c: the head of the surveillance agency to which the proceedings relate, or the surveillance agency’s security-cleared representative.
5: In this section, relevant party
110: Protection of special advocates from liability
1: To the extent that a special advocate is acting in accordance with the requirements of this Act, he or she is not guilty of—
a: misconduct within the meaning of section 7 9
b: unsatisfactory conduct within the meaning of section 12
2: This subpart applies despite the requirements of any practice rules made and approved under the Lawyers and Conveyancers Act 2006
3: No person is personally liable for any act done or omitted to be done in good faith, in his or her capacity as a special advocate, in accordance with the requirements or provisions of this Act.
111: Other matters relating to procedure in proceedings involving classified security information
1: The court must determine the proceedings on the basis of information available to it (whether or not that information has been disclosed to or responded to by all parties to the proceedings).
2: If information presented, or proposed to be presented, in the proceedings by the Crown includes classified security information,—
a: except where proceedings are before the Court of Appeal or the Supreme Court, the proceedings must be heard and determined by the Chief High Court Judge, or by 1 or more Judges nominated by the Chief High Court Judge, or both; and
b: the court must, on a request by the Attorney-General and if satisfied that it is necessary to do so for the protection of (either all or part of) the classified security information, receive or hear (the relevant part or all of) the classified security information in the absence of all or any of—
i: the non-Crown party; and
ii: the barristers or solicitors (if any) representing the non-Crown party; and
iii: journalists; and
iv: members of the public.
3: Without limiting subsection (2),—
a: the court may approve a summary of the classified security information that is presented by the Attorney-General except to the extent that a summary of any particular part of the information would itself involve disclosure that would be likely to prejudice the interests referred to in section 102(3)
b: on being approved by the court, a copy of the summary must be given to the non-Crown party.
4: Subsections (1) to (3) apply despite any enactment or rule of law to the contrary.
112: Nothing in this subpart limits other rules of law that authorise or require withholding of document, etc
Nothing in this subpart limits section 27
113: Ancillary general practices and procedures to protect classified security information
1: Any general practices and procedures that may be necessary to implement the procedures specified in this subpart and to ensure that classified security information is protected in all proceedings to which this subpart applies must be agreed between the Chief Justice and the Attorney-General as soon as practicable after the commencement of this section, and revised from time to time.
2: General practices and procedures may be agreed under subsection (1) on the following matters:
a: measures relating to the physical protection of the information during all proceedings to which this subpart relates:
b: the manner in which the information may be provided to the court:
c: measures to preserve the integrity of the information until any appeals are withdrawn or finally determined.
3: Subsection (2) does not limit subsection (1).
9: Miscellaneous provisions
Costs
114: Costs of interception capability on public telecommunications network or telecommunications service
The costs of developing, installing, and maintaining an interception capability on a public telecommunications network or a telecommunications service must be paid for by the network operator concerned.
115: Costs incurred in assisting surveillance agencies
1: A surveillance agency must pay for the actual and reasonable costs incurred by a network operator or a service provider in providing assistance to the agency under section 24
2: A surveillance agency must pay the costs referred to in subsection (1) by the date specified for payment, whether in an invoice or other appropriate document given to the agency by a network operator or a service provider, being a date not less than 1 month after the date of the invoice or other appropriate document.
3: This section—
a: does not apply to a network operator that is complying with duties only under section 11
b: is subject to section 116
116: Surveillance agency not required to pay costs
1: This section applies if a surveillance agency believes on reasonable grounds that—
a: a network operator has not complied with any of the duties under this Act; and
b: the non-compliance has—
i: materially increased the costs incurred by the agency in the execution of an interception warrant or authority; or
ii: materially increased the time that would otherwise be required to execute an interception warrant or authority; or
iii: otherwise materially prejudiced the agency in executing an interception warrant or authority.
2: The surveillance agency is not required to pay the costs referred to in section 115 section 24
3: In this section, interception warrant or authority
117: Dispute about costs must be referred to mediation or arbitration
1: This section applies to any dispute between a surveillance agency and a network operator or a service provider about the reasonableness of the costs under section 115 section 24
2: If a dispute to which this section applies is unable to be resolved by agreement between the parties, the dispute must be referred to—
a: mediation; or
b: if the parties are unable to resolve the dispute at mediation, arbitration.
3: If a dispute is referred to arbitration under subsection (2)﻿(b), the provisions of the Arbitration Act 1996 Protection from liability
118: Protection from liability
1: This section applies to—
a: every network operator; and
b: every service provider; and
c: every surveillance agency and the Director; and
d: the Registrar and every other designated officer; and
e: every person employed or engaged by a person referred to in paragraphs (a) to (d).
2: No person to whom this section applies is liable for an act done or omitted to be done in good faith—
a: in the performance or intended performance of a duty imposed by or under this Act; or
b: in the exercise or intended exercise of a function or power conferred by or under this Act.
3: This section does not apply in relation to compliance with a direction given under section 57
4: Nothing in this section limits any immunity under any other enactment. Other miscellaneous provisions
119: Notices
1: A notice served for the purposes of this Part must—
a: be in writing; and
b: be signed by a designated officer, the Director, or by any person purporting to act with the authority of a surveillance agency; and
c: be served in accordance with section 120
2: All documents purporting to be signed by a designated officer, the Director, or by or on behalf of a surveillance agency must, in all courts and in all proceedings under this Act, be treated as having been so signed with due authority unless the contrary is proved.
120: Service of notices
1: Any notice required or authorised to be served on any person for the purposes of this Part may—
a: be served on a company, within the meaning of the Companies Act 1993
b: be served on an overseas company in a manner provided for in section 390
c: be served on any other body corporate in a manner in which it could be served if the body corporate were a company within the meaning of the Companies Act 1993
d: be served on an individual—
i: by delivering it personally or by an agent (such as a courier) to the person; or
ii: by sending it by post addressed to the person at the person's usual or last known place of residence or business; or
iii: by sending it by fax or email to the person's fax number or email address provided by the person for the purpose; or
iv: in any other manner that a High Court Judge directs.
2: Section 392
3: In the absence of proof to the contrary, a notice, document, or notification sent to a person in accordance with—
a: subsection (1)﻿(d)﻿(ii) must be treated as having been served on the person when it would have been delivered in the ordinary course of post, and, in proving the delivery, it is sufficient to prove that the letter was properly addressed and posted:
b: subsection (1)﻿(d)﻿(iii) must be treated as having been served on the person on the second working day after the date on which it is sent.
4: If a person is absent from New Zealand, a notice served on the person's agent in New Zealand in accordance with subsection (1) must be treated as having been served on the person.
121: Powers not limited
This Act does not limit any power that a surveillance agency or any other person has under any other enactment.
122: Repeal
The Telecommunications (Interception Capability) Act 2004 2014-05-11 Telecommunications (Interception Capability) Act 2004
123: Consequential amendments
Amend the enactments specified in the Schedule 2014-05-11 Crimes Act 1961 Films, Videos, and Publications Classification Act 1993 Income Tax Act 2007 National Animal Identification and Tracing Act 2012 New Zealand Security Intelligence Service Act 1969 Search and Surveillance Act 2012 Telecommunications Act 2001
124: Savings provision for exemptions
1: An exemption granted under section 11
a: continues in force on the same terms and conditions (including as to expiry) as if granted under section 29
b: may be amended or revoked under that section.
2: For the purposes of subsection (1), an exemption from the requirements of a provision of the Telecommunications (Interception Capability) Act 2004 2004 Act provision
125: Transitional provision relating to network operators
If a network operator has, at the date of first registration, less than 4 000 customers,—
a: section 13(2)
i: the network operator keeps a record of the number of customers it has each month in accordance with section 13(6)
ii: the network operator maintains, from the date of first registration, an average of less than 4 000 customers over each 6-month period; and
b: section 13(3) and (4)
126: Regulations relating to time frames that apply to Director under Part 3
1: The Governor-General may, by Order in Council, on the recommendation of the Minister responsible for the Government Communications Security Bureau, make regulations—
a: prescribing, in relation to any decision that the Director must make or steps that the Director must take for the purpose of exercising a function or power under Part 3
b: allowing the Director to extend a time prescribed under paragraph (a) for a reasonable period after having regard to the circumstances and being satisfied that any criteria prescribed under paragraph (c) apply:
c: prescribing criteria relating to an extension referred to in paragraph (b):
d: providing for any other requirements that apply in relation to an extension referred to in paragraph (b).
2: The Minister responsible for the Government Communications Security Bureau must consult the Minister before recommending the making of regulations under subsection (1).
3: Regulations under this section are secondary legislation ( see Part 3 The following table is small in size and has 3 columns that are grouped under the heading Legislation Act 2019 requirements for secondary legislation made under this section. Legislation Act 2019 requirements for secondary legislation made under this section Publication PCO must publish it on the legislation website and notify it in the Gazette LA19 s 69(1)﻿(c) Presentation The Minister must present it to the House of Representatives LA19 s 114 cl 32(1)﻿(a) Disallowance It may be disallowed by the House of Representatives LA19 ss 115 116 This note is not part of the Act. Section 126(3) inserted 28 October 2021 section 3 Secondary Legislation Act 2021
127: Regulations
1: The Governor-General may, by Order in Council, make regulations providing for any matters contemplated by this Act, necessary for its administration, or necessary for giving it full effect.
2: Regulations under this section are secondary legislation ( see Part 3 The following table is small in size and has 3 columns that are grouped under the heading Legislation Act 2019 requirements for secondary legislation made under this section. Legislation Act 2019 requirements for secondary legislation made under this section Publication PCO must publish it on the legislation website and notify it in the Gazette LA19 s 69(1)﻿(c) Presentation The Minister must present it to the House of Representatives LA19 s 114 cl 32(1)﻿(a) Disallowance It may be disallowed by the House of Representatives LA19 ss 115 116 This note is not part of the Act. Section 127(2) inserted 28 October 2021 section 3 Secondary Legislation Act 2021