 The Centre managed to retain a reputation for independent advice not linked to the policies of major New Zealand political parties during this initial seven year period.The Centre put out a number of publications and thought pieces related to New Zealand security and defence issues.David Dickens, the former Deputy Director of the CSS, took over when Mr O'Brien's term finished in 2001 but he was controversial as a 'National Party' hack and there was a Select Committee enquiry into his appointment which issued a critical report and Dickens lasted less than two years until 2002.