However, the public is acutely aware that Thompson and Clark has surveillance and infiltration as part of its toolkit. It’s made use of the expertise built up by at least one former member of the New Zealand Security Intelligence Service. But the usage continued on many fronts, amid a far too cosy relationship with many a public official. The allegations about the Thompson and Clark investigation require close attention; both for any tactics used to gather information and the uses to which it was put. And when legality sits at the wrong side of what society regards as moral, that’s where legislators should step in.

Source: Stuff April 27, 2021 16:52 UTC