Spy boss: Leak 'disappointing'

There will be no investigation into the leaking of details about a Government intelligence base in the Manawatu. Photo / Mark Mitchell

The head of the Government's intelligence agency says he is profoundly disappointed that early details of a restructure of its Tangimoana base in Manawatu have been leaked to the public, but will not be carrying out a formal investigation.

Sir Bruce Ferguson spoke with the 35 staff at the base, which specialises in foreign intelligence by intercepting radio communications, on Thursday about the restructuring on the basis that the information went no further.

"It has gone further, which is a great disappointment, particularly in an organisation such as we run," he told Radio New Zealand.

There would be no formal investigation to find the source of the leak, but he would express his extreme displeasure to staff.

Sir Bruce said the restructuring was necessary, and that the organisation had to adapt or be left out in the cold.

- NZPA