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National | Māori Party

Major allegations surface over Operation 8 surveillance

A strong allegation was made in parliament today claiming many other people may have been put under surveillance by police during Operation 8.

According to Police Commissioner, Peter Marshall, surveillance regarding Operation 8 was undertaken over an 18 month period and ended in October 2007.

However, according to the information received by Te Ururoa Flavell of the Māori Party, the surveillance actually took place from 2005 to 2009, two years either side of the raids.

It’s the first time the Police Commissioner has appeared before the Māori Affairs Select Committee.

Te Ururoa Flavell claims to have received a file detailing surveillance undertaken by police during Operation 8, surveillance more widespread than the public would have thought, essentially, beyond the Ngāi Tūhoe area.

According to Te Ururoa, “It includes Māori and organisations that had nothing to do with the focus of Operation 8. If people were to see the various names implicated, they'd probably be shocked.”

It's understood, high-profile Māori figures and organisations were among those spied on.

The file has not yet been verified by police, but the Māori Party co-leader believes it's legitimate.

According to Peter Marshall, Operation 8 was undertaken over an 18 month period.  But, according to the file, surveillance spanned over four years.

By the end of the week information is expected to be given to the Police Commissioner.