The Hon Sir John Jeffries has been appointed as the first Commissioner of Security Warrants, Prime Minister and Minister in Charge of the New Zealand Security Intelligence Service Jenny Shipley said today.

The position was established by the New Zealand Security Intelligence Service Amendment Act (No.2) 1999, which came into effect on 1 September. The Commissioner will issue domestic interception warrants jointly with the Minister in Charge of the NZSIS.

Sir John is currently the Chairman of the Press Council, and was the Police Complaints Authority for five years. He is a retired Judge of the High Court of New Zealand. He takes up his appointment today (9 September 1999) for a three year term.

The Hon Laurence Greig, who is also a retired Judge of the High Court of New Zealand, has been reappointed as the Inspector-General of Intelligence and Security for a further three year term which commences on 1 December 1999.

ENDS

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