PM announces appointment of GCSB director

Prime Minister John Key today announced the appointment of Lieutenant General Jerry Mateparae as Director of the Government Communications Security Bureau.

Lt Gen Mateparae has been appointed for a five-year term commencing on 7 February 2011. He is currently Chief of Defence Force.

"Jerry has over 38 years' distinguished military service, including 15 years in senior leadership roles. He has led the Defence Force admirably for the past four years," says Mr Key.

"Jerry will make a valuable contribution to the GCSB, to New Zealand's security and defence, and to the country's international relations."

The Director is the Chief Executive of the GCSB and is responsible to the Minister Responsible for the GCSB which is, by convention, the Prime Minister.