NZers don’t believe John Key about US spying – Greens

New Zealanders believe Edward Snowden ahead of John Key when it comes to the US spying on us, the Green Party said today.

John Key has previously downplayed New Zealanders concerns that the US National Security Agency (NSA) has been involved in spying on New Zealanders, but the results of a Stuff Ipsos poll released today shows 71.6 per cent of Kiwis believe United States spy agencies are gathering data on New Zealanders and 61.8 per cent of those people do not support the US being able to do so.

"New Zealanders know the NSA does not discriminate about who they spy on. The Governments active involvement in the 5 Eyes network means we are part of both a spying and spied on ring," said Green Party security intelligence spokesperson Steffan Browning.

"New Zealanders have looked at the facts and concluded that John Key isnt being totally upfront about the information being shared in 5 Eyes. They believe Snowden over the PM.

"Not only do New Zealanders not believe the Prime Minister about spying, they also think that the US spying on us is wrong.

"The evidence of spying on New Zealanders is stacking up against John Key. President Barack Obama has said the US doesnt have a "no spying" agreement with any country but Key continues to insist the NSA doesnt spy on us.

"Previous leaks from whistle-blower Edward Snowden have revealed that the personal data of citizens from the US, the UK and Australia is being shared amongst the 5-Eyes network. We also know from previous leaks that the NSA are willing and able to carry out mass surveillance on New Zealanders.

"John Keys credibility on spying has taken a further knock today with his ambiguity around New Zealands reintegration into the 5 Eyes information sharing network while he has been the Prime Minister.

"It looks like John Key has had another brain fade about changes made in 2009 that opened the flow of information that the 5 Eyes network shared with his Government. The Office of the Director of National Intelligence could remember New Zealands reintegration in 2009 but John Key couldnt.

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NZers don't believe John Key about US spying - Greens