Background

In September 2007 the Government announced the establishment of an organised crime agency to increase cooperation by New Zealand government agencies in the targeting of serious and organised crime. OFCANZ was established on 1 July 2008, and is a hosted agency within New Zealand Police. 
 
OFCANZ was originally intended to encompass the functions and staff of the Serious Fraud Office. After the 2008 General Election, however, the new Government decided to maintain the SFO as a distinct and separate entity. OFCANZ will work closely with the SFO. More information about the SFO can be found at its website.
 
More background information can be found in a series of Cabinet papers.