$1m worth of sarcasm
Government agencies are paying thousands of dollars for inside information from private investigators Thompson and Clark. But as Nicky Hager writes, they could get some of it on Google. …
Author: Nicky Hager
Why John Key wants to change the electoral system, Otago Daily Times, June 2008
National Party leader John Key is talking about changing New Zealand’s electoral system. Nicky Hager writes about Key’s plans and the lobby groups that are pushing for the change.
Waihopai: our role in international spying
When three Christian protesters deflated a radome at the Waihopai intelligence base 12 days ago, citing the base’s support for the US War on Terror, a chorus of voices ridiculed the suggestion….
Spies have fingers in many govt pies
The Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry quietly severed its contract with controversial private investigators Thompson and Clark Investigations last year, after the Sunday Star-Times revealed that TCIL’s “corporate intelligence” included infiltrating and spying on community groups….
Coal mine spies return despite govt ban
PRIVATE INVESTIGATORS working for the state-owned coal company Solid Energy have defied a direct government instruction and again tried to infiltrate an environment group that opposes Solid Energy’s coal mining plans….
Still digging
Twelve months ago the government told state coal company Solid Energy that using paid informants to infiltrate environment groups was ‘not acceptable’ and that it had to stop. Solid Energy is adamant it has complied. The private investigators however appear to have defied the order….
Axe falls on state-owned Timberlands
New Zealand Herald article on the closure of Timberlands, see Secrets and Lies The Government has given state-owned forestry company Timberlands the axe. State-owned Enterprises Minister Trevor Mallard today announced the loss-making entity’s assets would be transferred to Crown Forestry. The SOE has hit the rocks in the past two years after reporting financial losses […]
A question of intelligence
What information led the police to smash the Urewera ‘terrorist’ training camps? Nicky Hager investigates the intelligence trail which led from cafe conversations to the armed police response. TWO YEARS ago a man quite similar to central characters in the Urewera “terrorism” case purchased a pistol holster on TradeMe for $66. Officers at the Otahuhu […]
Finance bill strengthens democracy
The Herald launched a campaign against the Electoral Finance Bill last week, saying it is repressive, curtails democracy and breaches human rights. Despite changes to the bill this week, the criticisms have continued. But they seem strangely one-eyed….
Back Story
The Police “terrorism” case against Maori, peace and environmental activists has its origins long before Operation Eight began last year….