9 June 2022
Ref: IR-01-22-10087
Finbar Murphy
Email:
[FYI request #19026 email]
Dear Finbar
Request for information
Thank you for your request directed to the Department of Prime Minister and
Cabinet (DPMC), dated 1 April 2022. The request was for:
“What steps, if any, have been taken to ensure that individuals with Autism
spectrum disorders are not mistakenly referred to the He Aranga Ake
programme, as has occurred with the UK’s ‘Prevent’ deradicalisation
programme’.
On 6 April, your request was transferred to Police to respond to as the lead
agency for delivering this programme. Your request has been considered in
accordance with the Of icial Information Act 1982 (OIA).
He Aranga Ake, is currently under development and due to be delivered in
December 2022. While the project team responsible for delivery is connected
internationally to practitioners and services engaged in disengagement, He
Aranga Ake is being specifically designed to provide a New Zealand response to
disengagement. As such, our response draws on lessons learnt from within New
Zealand, where Police and other government agencies have worked collectively
over significant periods of time applying preventative approaches to identified
persons of national security concern.
While Police acknowledge there may be some concern about whether a person
identified and diagnosed as on the autism spectrum or requiring diagnosis should
be referred to, He Aranga Ake, processes wil be in place to assess this on a
case-by-case basis. Police are unable to provide the detailed workings of He
Aranga Ake, however specialists will be available to provide guidance around
how to structure interventions and support in a way which positively addresses an
individual’s unique needs.
Police National Headquarters 180 Molesworth Street, Thorndon, Wellington SX11149
Telephone: (04) 474 9499. www.police.govt.nz
Unfortunately, New Zealand (along with many other countries) has experienced
individuals who have been diagnosed or are suspected to be on the autism
spectrum and who have posed threats to national security. Accordingly, we must
always consider persons of concern on a case-by-case basis and ensure any
response is appropriate, and proportionate not just from an individual, but also
from a public safety perspective.
Once operational He Aranga Ake wil have a key role in helping Government,
policy makers, academics and the public understand what types of vulnerabilities,
ages, ideologies, and other factors are being identified in New Zealand and
where further support, prevention initiatives and other response mechanisms are
required.
I trust that this information wil be of use to you. You have the right to ask the
Ombudsman to review my decision if you are not satisfied with my response to
your request.
Yours sincerely,
Sean Hansen
Detective Superintendent
New Zealand Police
