(Go: >> BACK << -|- >> HOME <<)
Change text size

Jane Clifton: The spies who lost their mojo

We can only hope that when they’re not making headlines, our secret agents know what they’re doing.

By Jane Clifton In Politics

Print Share
16th April, 2013
  Why is it that, from pies and a Penthouse to Urewera and Kim Dotcom raids, espionage in this country is more Austin Powers than James Bond? Whether it be phone-tapping or shoulder-tapping, we just can’t seem to get the hang of it. Tinker, tailor, soldier, Solicitor-General, Inspector-General, Crown Law drafting office, retrospective legislation and then, all being well, spy. Actually, it’s getting to the point where spying is the least efficient method of obtaining private information in this country. Secret data about the citizenry accidentally gushes forth from government department ...

Get full access to Listener.co.nz

Subscribers can read the full version of this story.

You can subscribe and get full online access for as little as $5 per week.

Enjoy the high-quality, in-depth journalism of the Listener magazine with convenient online access. This includes access to thousands of archived articles and up-to-date TV and entertainment listings.

Our great content is available online even before it hits the shelves, and includes more focus on breaking news. With our responsive design you get a great reader experience whether you read from your home computer, tablet, or even smartphone.

Already a subscriber? Just to read full version of this story.

Already an existing print subscriber? As part of your magazine subscription you are entitled to receive full access to the New Zealand Listener Online content. Click here for instructions on how to redeem your digital access.

Or you can subscribe now to get unlimited access to listener.co.nz.

More by Jane Clifton

← Older

NZ’s marriage equality bill - full coverage

By Toby Manhire

Switch to our mobile site