Review of the Search and Surveillance Act 2012
The Search and Surveillance Act review is part of the Government’s response to the Royal Commission of Inquiry into the terrorist attack on the Christchurch masjidain on 15 March 2019 (the Royal Commission). Recommendation 18 of the Royal Commission’s report to review all legislation related to the counter-terrorism effort to ensure it is current and enables public sector agencies to operate effectively.
Additionally, the Law Commission and the Ministry of Justice reviewed the Act in 2016/17 and made 67 recommendations, which have yet to be considered by Government.
By seeking a broad range of community views and experiences, the Government will be better placed to determine how to keep our search and surveillance law effective, appropriate, coherent, transparent, and cost effective while reflecting human rights within the unique Aotearoa New Zealand context.
Targeted engagement for the review is being carried out during the first part of 2022 and will be followed by wider public engagement later in the year.