U.S. spy chief arrives for talks in New Zealand

The United States director of national intelligence has arrived in New Zealand for talks with Prime Minister John Key on Monday.

James Clapper was passing through the country ahead of a meeting in Australia of the "Five Eyes" intelligence-sharing network involving the U.S., Britain, Canada, Australia and New Zealand, Key said in a broadcast press conference.

The visit follows the release last week of a government-commissioned report that proposed extending the ability of New Zealand's security agencies to spy on New Zealanders.

Key said he expected the report covering the New Zealand's Government Communications and Security Bureau external spy agency and the Security Intelligence Service would be discussed with Clapper.

"I've met General Clapper on a couple of occasions. He's obviously got great insight into intelligence and what's happening around the world," Key said.

Clapper was expected to retire from his position before President Barack Obama's term ended early next year, he said.