Independent MP Peter Dunne will give the Government the one vote it needs to pass legislation allowing the country's electronic spy agency to spy on New Zealanders.
Mr Dunne said on Monday that the changes to the Government Communications Security Bureau bill in return for his support would provide greater transparency and accountability.
Independent MP Peter Dunne. Photo: RNZ
Under the bill, the Government Communications Security Bureau would have clear legal authority to assist police, the Security Intelligence Service and the Defence Force.
The MP had been holding back his support, but changed his mind after Prime Minister John Key agreed to make what Mr Dunne calls major changes.
"All in all I think the bill now is a substantial step ahead of what it was. It certainly has seen my major concerns addressed and, on that basis, I'm prepared to support it."
Mr Dunne told Radio New Zealand's Checkpoint programme he made his final decision to support the GCSB legislation on Monday.
"The decision was made really this afternoon once we had completed our negotiations. I had always made the point that I could not support the bill as it stood, but I thought that the amendments that were proposed last week were a step in the right direction, but were not enough. I was pleasantly surprised that the seven additional proposals that I put forward were agreed to so readily."
As part of the changes, the Inspector-General will be notified when there is a warrant relating to a New Zealander.
The bureau will have to report annually on the number of times it assists other agencies and on the number of warrants and authorisations issued. There will be an independent review of the GCSB and the SIS in 2015, then every five to seven years after that.
John Key said the bill is stronger and in better shape than before. "Essentially, we are putting in place better legislation than was previously on the books but allowing that assistance to be reintroduced again, because for the last better part of 12 months some of our agencies have been flying blind."
Mr Key said he remains open to discussion with other parties to increase support for the bill.
However, he said the Labour Party has indicated it wants a sunset clause and an inquiry before the bill passes - which he is not prepared to consider.
Labour leader David Shearer said he has seen a draft of the proposed changes and they address some issues, but not enough for his party to come on board.
