Fight for Justice

I am Jason Zhao, the only China-born New Zealander at the Public Service Commission.

On 20 Oct 2022, my wife, 3 kids (aged 8, 13 and 15) and I were detained by NZ Security Intelligence Service at Wellington International Airport following the return from our family holiday in Australia.

NZSIS didn't allow us to contact anyone for several hours. We felt they deprived our human rights. We didn't understand what we were accused by NZSIS.

NZSIS took away our NZ passports, luggage & phones (including my wife’s and kids’ phones), and my son’s laptop to check.

NZSIS seized my phone, but they refused to give me a receipt and tell me how long they would retain it.

I was taken to a room. NZSIS issued a paper to ask me voluntarily accept an interview. I felt forced to sign the signature paper as my wife and kids were held by NZSIS.

I felt threatened as NZSIS officers said “Do not tell anyone about this interview” and “Don’t worry, we can find you anywhere” several times.

But, after the interview NZSIS immediately informed PSC saying 'I am posing an on-going risk to NZ’s national security and is an insider threat risk to PSC'. PSC suspended me from work since 20 Oct.

The things NZSIS accused me I never did. I have been loyal to NZ since I was sworn in as a NZ citizen in 2006.

The actions of NZSIS and PSC have had a knock-on effect:

I was diagnosed with Acute Stress Disorder.

I need ongoing psychotherapy with counsellors.

My GP prescribed a new medication to address elevated blood pressure.