Activist Simon Oosterman may bring charges against Rob Gilchrist, the man revealed to be a police informer working in political activist groups. Oosterman asked Gilchrist to be a witness in a trial over the police use of pepper spray at anti-Genetic Engineering protest which took place in 2005. It has now been shown that Gilchrist likely broke legal privilege by forwarding to police the evidence he would be giving at the trial. Gilchrist also showed up to court wearing a T-shirt with a gun on it, something Oosterman’s lawyer, Graeme Minchin told the Sunday Star Times could have meant his client won less money in damages than he might otherwise have done.
“Police agents rarking up demonstrators and then going into court giving evidence that is totally counterproductive, or trying to do such that’s another level above just merely snooping,” he said.

Herald columnist and leader of the Unite Union (one of the eight unions spied on my police through Gilchrist) Matt McCarton says the scandal “should set alarm bells ringing” Noting that when parliament approved the new secret police force four years ago, the people of New Zealand were assured it would not be used to spy on citizens but only to protect the country from international terrorism.
There may yet be a government inquiry into the conduct of the police Special Investigative Group, however the comments from new police minister Judith Collins when the spying with first revealed is cause for concern:

From time to time it may be necessary to use paid informants. I think most New Zealanders would find it reassuring that the police are out there keeping a watch on the whole community. That’s what they’re there for.