The direct line between Wellington and Washington will see material results on tackling crime in New Zealand.

The FBI has set up a Wellington based office - meaning it now has an office in each of the capitals of the Five Eyes intelligence alliance.

It will work on combating terrorism, organised crime, and foreign intelligence threats.

Assistant Police Commissioner Mike Pannett told Mike Hosking the FBI has specialist capabilities and having a NZ presence is a testament to a longstanding partnership.

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