Security expert Paul Buchanan says there may be a conflict of interest if the SIS is assisting Insurers to spy on New Zealand citizens. (Photo: Getty Images)

Use of taxpayer dollars to spy on private citizens could be conflict of interest

Author: Newstalk ZB Staff ,
Publish Date: Wed, 20 Jun 2018, 10:19AM

A security expert says there's no problem with State security work being outsourced to companies like Thompson & Clark, as long as the waters don't become muddied.

The Security Intelligence Service is investigating after head Rebecca Kitteridge raised concerns about professionalism and bias towards the private eye firm.

The State Services Commission has widened its own probe to include all government agencies.

36th Parallel Assessments security expert Paul Buchanan told Mike Hosking the SIS may be assisting Thompson & Clark and its private contracts.

He says if those are used against individuals who don't pose a threat to national security, the relationship starts to get thorny.

"[Be]cause we're using taxpayer dollars to spy on private citizens via Thompson & Clark, I think that will raise the hackles of a lot of people in public service as well as politicians."

LISTEN ABOVE AS PAUL BUCHANAN SPEAKS TO MIKE HOSKING