New Zealand Role In US Spy Network To Be 'Revealed'; PM John Key Brushes Off Hager's Remarks

The role of New Zealand in the U.S. intelligence network may soon be revealed. The files of NSA whistleblower Edward Snowden is believed to have more revelations concerning the Five Eyes network.

Investigative journalist Nicky Hager and The Herald are working on stories based on the files. The information obtained by Snowden has sparked concerns about the activities of intelligence agencies of the Five Eyes network in which New Zealand is a part of.

Hager has obtained access to Snowden’s files through a partnership with The Intercept news site set up by journalist Glenn Greenwald after revealing Snowden as the whistleblower. The former NSA employee had taken a huge number of files from the U.S. intelligence agency because he was concerned by the NSA’s “actions” and influence.

Hager said the information would reveal that New Zealand was far more “involved” than previously thought. He added that the discussion about the Government Communications Security Bureau has always been on the agency spying on New Zealanders. The journalist said there may be other countries that New Zealand spies on.

Hager believes the information may not only come as a surprise to the public but also the people involved in the foreign policy and the intelligence bureaucracy who will know about the issue after the revelations.

“When I read through this material and see that New Zealand is doing these things, it seems bizarre to me like it is from another era. The Intercept is collaborating with three newspapers in New Zealand for a series of stories.

Meanwhile, TVNZ reports that Prime Minister John Key will not be losing sleep over the alleged Snowden revelations by Hager. He said he intends to “sleep like an absolute baby.” Despite Hager’s promise of a series of revelations on major operations, Mr. Key has chosen to discount them.

The prime minister told reporters that he has no idea about what Hager will reveal but he reminded everyone about the last time Hager had revealed something, he was “categorically wrong.” Mr. Key believes Hager will be wrong again since information changes.

He added that it was strange for Hager to be making a big deal out of New Zealand gathering and sharing information with other intelligence agencies. Mr. Key said the government gathers information to keep New Zealanders safe. He remarked that ISIS was reaching out to cause harm to New Zealanders.

The prime minister suggested that all New Zealanders should discount anything from Nicky Hager. He reiterated that Hager was wrong the last time he revealed something. He accused Hager of serving his own interests and not those of New Zealand.

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