8 Sep 2011

New head for spy agency appointed

5:39 pm on 8 September 2011

The new head of one of the Government's spy agencies has been announced.

Ian Fletcher is the new Director of the Government Communications Security Bureau which collects intelligence for New Zealand's security, defence and economic interests.

Mr Fletcher is a New Zealander who has held senior executive positions in Australia and the United Kingdom since 1998.

Prime Minister John Key says Mr Fletcher has extensive policy and operational experience, particularly in relation to international economic and trade matters.

The appointment is for five years, starting in early 2012.

The position was left vacant when former director Lieutenant-General Sir Jerry Mateparae took up the role of Governor-General.