The new information sharing agreement with Australia on the backgrounds of criminals being deported here starts from now.

LISTEN ABOVE: Justice Minister Amy Adams joins Larry Williams to discuss the deportation of NZ criminals from Australia.

Justice Minister Amy Adams said it follows the signing today of an information sharing arrangement with Australia.

"We'll have access to not only name, date of birth, criminal history but actually right through parole reports, behaviour reports, psychological assessments and gang affiliations."

Justice Minister Adams said authorities here will be given comprehensive information to allow corrections and police to take action, through the courts if necessary, to set up appropriate monitoring programmes.

She said around 150 offenders have already been sent here and about 200 more are being processed in Australia.

Police have only basic information about those already here.