Cabinet Committee on Domestic and External Security Co-ordination (DES)

Terms of Reference

• To co-ordinate and direct the national response to a major crisis or to circumstances affecting national security (such as a natural disaster, biosecurity problem, health emergency, or terrorist/military threat) within New Zealand or involving New Zealand's interests overseas;
• To consider issues of oversight, organisation and priorities for the New Zealand intelligence community and any issues which, because of their security or intelligence implications, the Prime Minister directs be considered by the committee;
• To consider policy and other matters relating to domestic and external security co-ordination.

This committee has power to act where the need for urgent action and/or operational or security considerations require it.  Decisions of the committee under power to act are reported to the next Cabinet meeting as appropriate.

Membership

Rt Hon John Key (Chair)
Hon Bill English
Hon Gerry Brownlee
Hon Simon Power
Hon Judith Collins
Hon Christopher Finlayson
Hon Murray McCully
Hon Dr Wayne Mapp

With the addition of the Minister of Civil Defence for civil defence matters.

Relevant portfolios

Biosecurity
Civil Defence
Defence
Foreign Affairs
GCSB
Health
NZSIS
Police
Prime Minister

Frequency

Meets when required.