Cheryl Gwyn will resign as Inspector-General of Intelligence and Security after being appointed as a High Court Judge, Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern confirmed today.
She hands in her resignation having spending five years as Inspector-General of Intelligence and Security.
"Cheryl Gwyn has been instrumental in strengthening the independent oversight of the New Zealand Security Intelligence Service and the Government Communications Security Bureau," Ms Ardern said.
"The role of the IGIS is essential, providing primary oversight of the work of our intelligence agencies, helping provide both the government and the public with confidence that the agencies are carrying out their activities lawfully and properly, or identifying issues and practices that could be improved."
"I thank Cheryl for her service and contribution to the national security of New Zealand, and congratulate her on her appointment as a Judge of the High Court."
Before that, Ms Gwyn had spent 11 years as Deputy Solicitor‑General overseeing the Attorney‑General’s Group at the Crown Law Office and having direct responsibility for the management of Treaty of Waitangi, constitutional and human rights law issues.
She was also the Deputy Secretary for Justice at the Ministry of Justice for a time, representing New Zealand at the United Nations and developing a high‑performing Public Law Group.
The process will begin shortly to appoint a new Inspector-General with the current Deputy Inspector-General, Madeleine Laracy, to take on the duties and powers of the Inspector-General during this time.
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