Telecommunications (Interception Capability and Security) Act 2013

Preliminary provisions - Purposes and principles

6: Principles relating to interception capability

You could also call this:

"Rules for Listening to Private Conversations"

Illustration for Telecommunications (Interception Capability and Security) Act 2013

When you exercise powers under this Act, you must apply certain principles. You must maintain the privacy of telecommunications that are not being intercepted legally. You must also intercept telecommunications without interfering with them too much when you have the right to do so.

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This page was last updated on 26 November 2025

View the original legislation for this page at https://legislation.govt.nz/act/public/1986/0120/latest/link.aspx?id=DLM5178025.

Topics:

Crime and justice > Police and safetyRights and equality > Privacy

5: Purpose of this Act relating to interception capability, or

"This law helps agencies intercept telecommunications while allowing new technology and system design freedom."

7: Purpose of this Act relating to network security, or

"Keeping New Zealand's phone and internet networks safe and secure"

Part 1Preliminary provisions
Purposes and principles

6Principles relating to interception capability

The following principles must be applied by persons who exercise powers and carry out duties under this Act in relation to interception capability, if those principles are relevant to those powers or duties:
the principle that the privacy of telecommunications that are not subject to an interception warrant or any other lawful interception authority must be maintained to the extent provided for in law:
the principle that the interception of telecommunications, when authorised under an interception warrant or any other lawful interception authority, must be carried out without unduly interfering with any telecommunications.