It also asked citizens to immediately contact the embassy if they face any harassment, discrimination or infringement of their rights.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe Chinese Embassy and Consulates-General in New Zealand remind all Chinese students, tourists and other travellers planning to visit, transit through New Zealand, or [who are] currently in the country to remain vigilant and take necessary preparations before entering or exiting New Zealand.\u201d<\/p>\n
The New Zealand Security Intelligence Service (NZSIS), the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade (MFAT) all told the Herald they were aware of the embassy\u2019s statement.<\/p>\n
None of them divulged what prompted the embassy\u2019s post.<\/p>\n
The NZSIS said it \u201chas a long-standing approach of not discussing what may or may not be specific areas of operational focus\u201d, adding it doesn\u2019t have the power to arrest, detain or force someone to speak.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe mission of the NZSIS is to keep New Zealand and New Zealanders safe and secure through the detection of threats to New Zealand\u2019s national security.<\/p>\n
The Chinese Embassy is warning all Chinese nationals in New Zealand to \u201cremain vigilant and take necessary preparations before entering or exiting New Zealand\u201d. Photo \/ Jason Oxenham<\/p>\n
\u201cWe take this mission very seriously.<\/p>\n
\u201cAny operational activity we undertake is in accordance with the law and is subject to robust independent oversight. Such activity is also carried out under warrant where applicable. <\/p>\n
\u201cWhen we engage with individuals as part of any operational activity, this is done professionally and in accordance with our mandate and legal authorities.\u201d<\/p>\n
The MFAT did not confirm whether it received a complaint from the embassy when approached by the Herald, instead saying all arriving individuals \u201cmust obey New Zealand laws and regulations, including those relating to national security and border security\u201d.<\/p>\n
\u201cThese laws and regulations are applied in a non-discriminatory manner regardless of country of origin.<\/p>\n
\u201cThese points have been relayed to the Chinese Embassy.\u201d<\/p>\n
The MFAT referred further queries to the New Zealand Intelligence Community (NZIC).<\/p>\n
The CAA said the agency hadn\u2019t received any complaints internally related to the incident.<\/p>\n
\u201cOur role is focused on keeping the travelling public safe and secure,\u201d it said.<\/p>\n
\u201cAny complaints the CAA receive are taken seriously and are managed directly with the individuals or organisation that has raised them.\u201d<\/p>\n
The Chinese Embassy is yet to respond to a request for further information on the concerns raised by staff in the post.<\/p>\n
The Herald has approached the Minister Responsible for the GCSB and NZSIS Judith Collins for comment. <\/p>\n