The agency embroiled in an all-of-government inquiry into spying is still listed on the website that government departments use to select their contractors.
That's despite a direct order issued by the Prime Minister on March 15, telling all ministers to ensure their departments are not using Thompson & Clark for the purposes of spying.
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Thompson & Clark was used to by Government insurance company Southern Response to spy on Christchurch earthquake victims, Newshub revealed. The security agency is listed as a protective service provider on MBIE's website.
The procurement website says its listed providers have demonstrated "a thorough understanding" of the state sector's protective services requirements.
MBIE says no government agency has purchased the services of Thompson & Clark since the new government has been in place.
Chris Hipkins, the minister in charge of state services, says the Prime Minister's directive was "incredibly clear". Government departments are expected to not use Thompson & Clark, he told media on his way into the House on Tuesday afternoon.
"In order to prevent government agencies using a particular supplier of any sort, that would require a law change."
"Once somebody's on that list, you have to have a very good reason to take them off, which means there has to be a good legal case, and that's what the investigation will be exploring."
Mr Hipkins said it would be "very unwise" for a government department to choose to hire Thompson & Clark.
"The Government's made its expectations very, very clear," he said.
The State Services Commission announced an inquiry into Southern Response's use of Thompson & Clark after Newshub's story broke in March.
In late April, the inquiry was extended to include the relationship between the Ministry of Business Innovation and Employment (MBIE) and Thompson & Clark.
It's now been extended again to include all government departments.
Newshub has asked MBIE for comment and will update the story as response comes in.
Newshub.
