Security or defence

If releasing information to a requester could put New Zealand's security or defence or our international relations at risk, the agency can withhold the information.

This is a relatively broad withholding ground. For instance if there's a real risk that releasing information to a requester could get in the way of New Zealand agencies being able to detect and track a terrorist cell, the agency will not have to release that information. 


References:

Privacy Act 1993

Section 27(1)
An agency may refuse to disclose any information requested pursuant to principle 6 if the disclosure of the information would be likely -

(a) to prejudice the security or defence of New Zealand or the international relations of the Government of New Zealand.