Dotcom case: GCSB review ordered

The Government Communications Security Bureau is being reviewed after it was found to be spying on Kim Dotcom illegally. File photo / Sarah Ivey

The Secretary of Cabinet has been appointed to carry out a capability, governance and performance review of the Government Communications Security Bureau after it was found to be spying on Kim Dotcom illegally.

Chief executive of the department of the Prime Minister and Cabinet Andrew Kibblewhite Director of the GCSB Ian Fletcher announced today that Secretary of Cabinet Rebecca Kitteridge will be seconded immediately to the GCSB for an initial period of up to three months in the new role of Associate director of the Bureau.

Ms Kitteridge will be responsible to the director of the GCSB for the immediate review.

Ms Kitteridge's responsibilities will include:

# Review the systems, processes and capabilities underpinning the GCSB's collection and reporting,

# Build capability and provide assurance to the GCSB director that the compliance framework has been reviewed, improved and is fit for purpose.

# She will establish new, specific approval processes for activity in support of police and other law enforcement agencies.

Ms Kitteridge was appointed as secretary of the Cabinet and clerk of the executive council in April 2008.

She is a senior public servant who is responsible for the security and integrity of the Cabinet decision-making system and the New Zealand Royal Honours systems.

She provides advice on ethics and conduct in relation to Ministers of the Crown, and is a key constitutional advisor to the Governor-General and the Prime Minister of the day.

Ms Kitteridge is a lawyer and a focus in private practice was on legal compliance for corporate entities.

Since joining the public service she has specialised in constitutional matters at both the Cabinet Office and in the legal division of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade. While in Cabinet Office she has advised four Prime Ministers and four Governors-General.