Put up or shut up on Maori spying says PM

Prime Minister Helen Clark has given a "put up or shut up" challenge to people claiming the Security Intelligence Service is spying on Maori organisations and politicians

Announcing a wide-ranging inquiry yesterday, she said those making the allegations should be prepared to come forward.

She said SIS chief Richard Woods had told her that the claims were a "work of fiction".

But she had agreed to the inquiry by the Inspector-General of Intelligence and Security, Justice Paul Neazor, because she wanted no suggestions of a cover-up.

"There is now a formal opportunity for those throwing the mud to come forward and make their case," she said.

"I'm sure they feel so strongly about these matters that they want them examined and they would want to come forward, but it really isn't good enough to hide behind anonymity, throw the mud, and not front up."

The inquiry has been ordered after Maori Party co-leader Tariana Turia wrote to Justice Neazor this week seeking an investigation.

The Sunday Star-Times alleged SIS operatives spied on Maori organisations and individuals over several years.

It spoke to three spies who allege the SIS went well beyond its statutory role by targeting Maori organisations and individuals, including politicians such as Mrs Turia.

The Herald has revealed that one of the alleged spies is a mysterious New Zealander who goes by the name of Jack Sanders.

He was the subject of a Weekend Herald investigation last year.

Helen Clark said yesterday she did not think Mr Sanders had "any credibility whatsoever".

Star-Times editor Cate Brett issued a statement through a public relations firm yesterday saying Mr Sanders was not her paper's main source.

The newspaper was taking legal advice on the Inspector-General's inquiry.

Justice Neazor has the powers of a formal commission of inquiry and can call witnesses and demand documents, raising the prospect that the paper may be asked to reveal its sources and any evidence it has.

Asked what would happen to those who did not give evidence or furnish documents to the Inspector-General, Helen Clark said she imagined that would amount to "some kind of contempt".

"I wouldn't want to presume to say who Mr Neazor might want to call. But it is clear that he has the power to summon any such persons as he considers relevant and to require the production of any such documents as he sees is relevant."

The Star-Times articles were co-written by Wellington freelance writer Nicky Hager, who wrote a book issued during the 2002 election campaign and alleging a Government cover-up of suspected GM corn contamination. He could not be contacted last night.

Mrs Turia said it was important to restore confidence in the SIS, and she was pleased the Prime Minister had taken the matter seriously and allowed an inquiry.

Other parties including National, Act, NZ First and the Greens, have also called for an independent inquiry.

But Green MP Keith Locke said the inquiry should be more wide-ranging.

"We believe a broader inquiry should be conducted by a group of people not so closely tied to the existing monitoring system."

- additional reporting: Ainsley Thomson