The Government Communications Security Bureau (GCSB)’s spy base at Waihopai, near Blenheim. File photo. Photo: SUPPLIED

By The Smartencyclopedia Staff & Agencies

A recent commentary by investigative journalist and author Nicky Hager has shed light on a controversial foreign intelligence system hosted by New Zealand’s Government Communications Security Bureau (GCSB), suggesting its involvement in global capture-kill operations.

In his commentary for RNZ News, Hager, renowned for his 1996 book “Secret Power,” which explored New Zealand’s role in global spy networks, discussed the findings of a report by New Zealand’s Inspector-General of Intelligence and Security (IGIS) last week. The report highlighted the GCSB’s hosting of an undisclosed foreign intelligence operation from 2012 to 2020, deeming it “improper” and raising concerns about its legality under New Zealand law.

Hager noted that while the IGIS report couldn’t disclose specifics due to classification, it hinted at an “intelligence system with a ghostly codename,” casting suspicions on its nature and purpose. According to him, the system’s details closely align with a top-secret US surveillance system known as “APPARITION,” installed at the GCSB’s Waihopai base during the same period under investigation.

The investigative journalist drew parallels between the IGIS report’s findings and internal documents from the US National Security Agency (NSA), which referred to APPARITION as a tool for conducting capture-kill operations against terrorists. Such operations involve lethal attacks using drones, bombs, and special forces raids, often resulting in civilian casualties and drawing criticism for their extrajudicial nature.

Hager’s revelations have reignited debates surrounding New Zealand’s involvement in global intelligence networks, particularly the Five Eyes alliance, comprising the US, UK, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand. Critics argue that sharing intelligence with Five Eyes partners implicates New Zealand in military campaigns and controversial operations, raising ethical and legal concerns.

While removing outdated radomes at the Waihopai Valley spy base in 2022 was seen as a symbolic change, concerns persist about the base’s continued operation and New Zealand’s role in broader intelligence activities.

As Hager’s commentary stirs further scrutiny, questions linger about the accountability and transparency of New Zealand’s intelligence agencies and their implications for national security and international relations.

This article is based on commentary by Nicky Hager and recent findings by New Zealand’s Inspector-General of Intelligence and Security.