4541510 New Zealands Countering Terrorism and Violent Extremism Strategy.PDF.pdf

New Zealand's
Countering Terrorism
and Violent
Extremism Strategy
Bringing our nation together to protect
all New Zealanders from terrorism and
violent extremism of all kinds

New Zealand's Countering Terrorism and Violent Extremism Strategy
Prime Minister’s foreword
Tēnā koutou,
The terror attack on the Al Noor Mosque and the
As a Government we are committed to listening
Linwood Islamic Centre in Christchurch on 15
to and empowering communities and providing
March 2019 was unprecedented in New Zealand.
support to those who need it.
51 Shuhadah died, many were injured, and
We are committed to eliminating violent and
Muslim communities were deeply impacted. The
extremist content online, and working with
rest of the country embraced them, and we have
international partners and organisations,
made it clear that radicalisation, violent extremism
through initiatives such as the Christchurch Call
and terrorism have no place in New Zealand.
to Action. We will continue working with our
international partners to share information and
While the aim of terrorism is to shake our beliefs
best-practice, to help combat extremism wherever
and divide us, New Zealand instead responded
it may appear.
with compassion, empathy and solidarity.
Government’s contribution, however, is only part
New Zealand has never been immune to terrorism
of the story. He Whenua Taurikura, New Zealand’s
and violent extremism – no country can be. We
annual hui on countering terrorism and violent
planned to respond and recover from a terrorist
extremism, which brings together government
event, but never wanted those plans to be put
with communities, civil society, the private sector,
to use.
academia and the media, is a key opportunity to
build expertise, networks, and resilience.
New Zealand’s Countering Terrorism and Violent
Extremism Strategy details how government
I wish all attendees the best.
undertakes its responsibility to keep Aotearoa
safe for all New Zealanders.
Waiho i te toipoto, kaua i te toiroa
Let us keep close together, not wide apart
2021 © Crown Copyright
The focus of the strategy is preventing
This work is licensed under the Creative Commons BY 4.0 New Zealand licence.
You are free to copy, distribute and adapt the work, as long as you attribute the work to the
terrorism and violent extremism by combatting

Department of the Prime Minister and Cabinet (DPMC) and follow any other licence terms.
radicalisation in all forms and building a society
To see a copy of this licence, visit creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/
that is safe, diverse, and inclusive – one in
Published by the Department of the Prime Minister and Cabinet (DPMC), June 2021.
which all individuals and groups have a sense of
Rt Hon Jacinda Ardern
dpmc.govt.nz • [DPMC request email]
belonging, inclusion, participation, recognition
Prime Minister
and legitimacy.
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New Zealand's Countering Terrorism and Violent Extremism Strategy
Aotearoa New Zealand's approach to preventing
Underpinned by
and countering all forms of terrorism and violent
extremism is based on Te Tiriti o Waitangi, human
Underpinned
rights, open government norms, and the principle
of proportionality.
by
le :gislation
We will achieve our aim by:
Working in partnership
governance
The government will work in partnership with
the public, communities, the private sector, local
01
government and others, focusing on reducing
and mitigating the risks of terrorism and violent
public
extremism of all kinds to New Zealand and our
ınformation
citizens, residents and visitors.
Ensuring that as a nation we connect with
Our vision
responsive
each other
National Security System
If we see something that concerns us, we will say
something, and we will know what to do to keep
ourselves safe.
Bringing our nation together to protect all New Zealanders
capabilities
Supporting the efforts of the
from terrorism and violent extremism of all kinds
international community
We will continue to work closely with international
partners to counter terrorism and violent
Our strategy to prevent and counter all forms of
This strategy aims to secure Aotearoa
extremism at the global, regional and national
terrorism and violent extremism is about working
New Zealand from the threat of terrorism
levels.
together as a nation. Prevention is our priority.
and violent extremism, and to ensure that all
We will increase our understanding of the issues,
communitiesm, iwi, hapū, whānau and individuals
Focusing on prevention
work collectively, build resilient communities
feel secure. This strategy also reaffirms the
Prevention is our priority, while having the right
and whānau, and address the underlying causes
Government’s commitment to international
capabilities across government, coordinated by
of violent extremism. We will ensure Aotearoa
efforts to counter terrorism and violent extremism
an agile and effective national security system
New Zealand's systems and capabilities are ready
regionally and globally.
and enabled by fit for purpose legislation, so that
to identify and act early to reduce risks, and to
when we need to act, we can do so cohesively,
respond to and recover from events.
responsively, ethically and efficiently.
Our
network
New
our communities,
private
local
public
Zealanders
iwi and hapū
sector
government
sector
security sector
media
international
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New Zealand's Countering Terrorism and Violent Extremism Strategy
often lone actors and small groups mainly
What is terrorism, violent
communicating online. The Christchurch
extremism and extremism?
terrorist continues to be glorified in White
Identity Extremist circles, and his actions
Terrorism. Under New Zealand law, a terrorist
have inspired terrorist attacks in the US and
act is defined as an ideologically, politically, or
Europe since March 2019.
religiously motivated act – including, but not
limited to, those causing death or serious bodily
The internet continues to be abused by
injury – intended to intimidate a population, or to
violent extremists. Anonymity, accessibility,
compel the government to do or not do certain
the privacy provided by encryption, and the
things.
challenges for governments, companies and
Violent extremism. The justification of violence
02
civil society of keeping ahead of technology,
provide an enabling environment. Violent
with the aim of radically changing the nature of
extremists from across the ideological
government, religion or society. This violence is
spectrum use the internet to recruit, share
often targeted against groups seen as threatening
knowledge and plan attacks. Online extremist
violent extremists’ success or survival, or
narratives can have a rapid radicalising effect,
undermining their world view.
Nature of the risk, June 2021
meaning that violent extremists inspired by
Extremism. Religious, social or political belief
various ideologies can emerge with little or
systems that exist substantially outside of more
no forewarning.
broadly accepted belief systems in large parts of
society, and are often seen as objectionable to
New Zealand’s terrorism environment
large parts of society. Extreme ideologies may
New Zealand’s terrorism and violent extremism chal enges
Violent extremist narratives in New Zealand
seek radical changes in the nature of government,
are influenced by international trends and
religion or society or to create a community based
can be adapted to the New Zealand context.
on their ideology.
Violent extremism is an evolving threat, driven by
White Identity Extremism1 ideology, such as the
For example, the 2019 Christchurch terrorist
increasingly complex and convoluted ideologies.
Christchurch terrorist. Other forms, including
attack, grievances associated with the
This strategy focuses on extremist narratives, activities
Terrorism continues to threaten the safety of
politically-motivated extremism and single-issue
COVID-19 pandemic, international political
and movements only where they cross, or intend to
individuals and the cohesion of communities,
extremism, are of concern but less prominent.
and social tensions and conflicts, and
cross, into violence. Non-violent forms of extremism,
globally and in New Zealand. Common drivers
extremist content on the internet, have all
however objectionable, lie outside this mandate.
of violent extremism include polarisation within
While ISIL has lost its territorial “caliphate” in Iraq
influenced the New Zealand terrorism threat
a society, divisions between and within political,
and Syria, it still inspires attacks globally through
environment over the past year.
religious and identity groups, and real and
its propaganda, financing and support to followers.
in New Zealand. The attack is still discussed
perceived threats to the identity, values, power
ISIL continues to pose a significant threat in
Consistent with the global picture, identity-
among the small number of New Zealand-based
and status of a group.
ungoverned and unstable areas worldwide,
motivated and faith-motivated violent extremism
White Identity Extremists, and the attack and
particularly in Africa, Asia and the Middle East.
are the most prominent forms of violent
the terrorist’s livestream video and manifesto
Global trends
extremism in New Zealand today. Similarly,
continue to circulate online. As a result, there
Globally, the two most high-profile forms of violent
Over the past several years, increased attention
politically- and single issue-motivated violent
remains a realistic possibility the Christchurch
extremism are faith-motivated – exemplified
has been drawn to the threat of White Identity
extremism remain of concern, but have less overt
attacks could inspire a copycat or retaliatory attack
by those associated with Al-Qaida and the
Extremism, including in New Zealand, Australia,
support in the public space.
in New Zealand.
Islamic State in Iraq and the Levant (ISIL) – and
Europe and North America. Such extremists are
identity-motivated, particularly adherents to a
The Christchurch terrorist attack will likely
1 Describes extreme racial ideologies and beliefs that are
Support for ISIL in New Zealand has very likely
focussed on real or perceived threats to concepts of a white,
have a long-term effect on violent extremism
declined as the group’s physical presence in its
ethnic-European culture and identity.
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New Zealand's Countering Terrorism and Violent Extremism Strategy
core territory of Iraq and Syria has been degraded.
likelihood of a terrorism incident. It is designed
There are a small number of New Zealand-based
as a tool to inform and guide government risk
extremists who continue to support ISIL. Should
assessment and risk management activity.
the group rebound, splinter, or if a new group
emerges with a similar ideology, there will likely
As of June 2021, the national terrorism threat
be renewed attention from New Zealand-based
level is MEDIUM; a terrorist attack is feasible
faith-motivated violent extremists.
and could well occur. The threat level is under
continual evaluation and takes into account
Outlook
specific domestic considerations and relevant
Globally, extremist ideologies are likely to become
international threat factors.
more varied, and individuals will increasingly
draw from a range of inspirations to justify their
The Combined Threat Assessment Group (CTAG),
actions. Most attacks will likely continue to be
an autonomous inter-agency group hosted by the
unsophisticated, and lone-actor attacks will remain
New Zealand Security Intelligence Service (NZSIS),
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common. Violent extremists are highly likely to
is responsible for reviewing and recommending
continue to focus on accessible, “soft” targets,
the national terrorism threat level. The assessed
such as crowded places and symbolic locations.
threat level is set by the Director-General of
Groups will likely continue to learn tactics from
Security. The Officials Committee for Domestic
Delivering the vision
each other, and the internet will almost certainly
and External Security Coordination (ODESC)
continue to enable radicalisation and recruitment.
considers the appropriate response and
recommendations are made to ministers,
In New Zealand, if a terrorist attack happens
including the Prime Minister.
over the next 12 months, it will likely be carried
Our framework: focused on reduction
out by a lone actor who resorts to violence
A change in threat level is used to determine
without forewarning.
government planning and risk management, and
to advise agencies so they can take any further
The following pages provide an overview of the
»  Recovery — using coordinated efforts and
The national terrorism threat level
appropriate measures. A change in the threat level
four priority areas for this strategy and the actions
processes to bring about immediate, medium-
does not necessarily require a specific response
The national terrorism threat level is a scale of five
that we will take to deliver the vision of bringing
term, and long-term regeneration.
from the public.
levels that provides an assessment of the
our nation together to protect all New Zealanders
from terrorism and violent extremism of all kinds.
Under this strategy, these 4Rs have been distilled
Threat Level Likelihood Assessment
into four pillars of:
This framework is built around New Zealand’s
I.  mōhio — understand
Extreme
Terrorist attack, or violent criminal behaviour, or violent protest activity is expected.
holistic and integrated approach to managing
national security risk, known as the 4Rs:
II.  mahi tahi — work together
High
Terrorist attack, or violent criminal behaviour, or violent protest activity is assessed as
highly likely.
»  Reduction — identifying and analysing
III.  whakahōtaetae — prevent
long-term risks and taking steps to eliminate
IV.  takatū — be ready to respond and recover
Medium
Terrorist attack, or violent criminal behaviour, or violent protest activity is assessed
as feasible and could well occur.
these risks if practicable, or if not, to reduce
their likelihood and the magnitude of
Within these pillars, our focus is on
Low
Terrorist attack, or violent criminal behaviour, or violent protest activity is assessed
as a realistic possibility.
their impact.
prevention.
Very low
Terrorist attack, or violent criminal behaviour, or violent protest activity is assessed as unlikely.
»  Readiness — developing operational systems
and capabilities before an emergency happens.
Table: CTAG Threat Level Definitions1
»  Response — taking action immediately before,
1 New Zealand’s current national terrorism threat level and information about counter-terrorism and wider national security is
during or directly after a significant event.
available on the Department of the Prime Minister and Cabinet (DPMC) website.
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New Zealand's Countering Terrorism and Violent Extremism Strategy
An annual work programme accompanies the
The CTCC was established in 2015, to bring
The key responsibilities of the CTCC are therefore
These supporting elements include:
strategy. The work programme outlines a range
together the significant pieces of work to counter
to implement this strategy by:
»  National Security System (NSS) Handbook.
of actions to advance these priority areas and our
terrorism and violent extremism being led by
»  Supporting strategic decision-making and
»  Counter-Terrorism Handbook.
national capabilities.
different agencies across government, and to
action, including by providing advice and
»  Terrorism Risk Profile.
collectively deliver improvements to the counter-
recommendations to SIB Chief Executives.
»  Protecting Our Crowded Places from Attack:
Delivery of the work programme across
terrorism system at a national level.
»  Coordinating and driving inter-agency work to
New Zealand's Strategy.
government is coordinated by the
counter terrorism and violent extremism.
»  National Anti-Money Laundering and
Counter-Terrorism Coordination Committee
Countering Financing of Terrorism Strategy.
(CTCC), reporting to the Security and Intelligence
This strategy and work programme is supported
»  Christchurch Call to Action to eliminate terrorist
Board (SIB) of Chief Executives.
by a range of plans, strategies and information
and violent extremist content online.
developed to address specific aspects of this work.
Our framework is focused on reduction
REDUCTION
READINESS
RESPONSE
RECOVERY
mōhio
mahi tahi
whakahōtaetae
takatū
understand — we're
work together —
prevent — prevention is
ready to respond
aware and informed
partnerships are key
our priority
and recover — we're
We detect and understand the threat, while our
We work collectively as a nation to reduce
We focus our efforts and capabilities on
prepared
people look out for each other and know what
the risk
effective, long-term prevention
to do when something happens
We take a victim-centred approach, responding
»  Our capabilities across government are
»  Our inclusive society addresses the causes of
swiftly to protect lives and working in
»  New Zealanders have the information they
integrated, effective, efficient, and reflect our
violent extremism.
partnership to support recovery
need to be aware, engaged and stay safe.
values.
»  We support those in need and promote the
»  Our security agencies have the right

» We work in partnership with the public,
disengagement and rehabilitation of people
»  We focus on protecting lives and supporting
capabilities to detect and understand the
communities, the private sector and local
engaged with violent extremist ideologies.
victims.
threat to New Zealand.
government.
»  Enabled by appropriate legislation, we act
»  We have the right capabilities and legislation
»  We share appropriate information across the
»  We work with our international partners to
early and proportionately to prevent attacks
to allow us to respond effectively and
public and private sector.
identify and prevent terrorism and violent
and keep people safe.
efficiently.
extremism of all kinds.
»  We safeguard and build resilience in our
»  Our National Security System and
communities, especially those at higher risk.
responsible agencies are coordinated,
»  Those responsible for the safety of others
practiced and responsive.
know and meet their obligations.
»  We look after our people, and support the
recovery of individuals and communities.
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mōhio — understand
terrorism threats, working closely with New
Together, the National Centre of Excellence and
Zealand Police’s investigative and intelligence
He Whenua Taurikura will provide a focus for
We’re aware and informed
teams. A range of government agencies
reliable, evidence-based public information that
contribute to our overall understanding of the risk
accurately reflects the nature of the risk, fostered
environment.
within sensitive, respectful and constructive
conversations and dialogue.
To promote research and understanding of
We detect and understand the threat, while our people look
terrorism and violent extremism, we will establish
Agencies across government will also increase
and support a National Centre of Excellence.
public information sharing, and coordinate to
out for each other and know what to do when something
The centre will bring together academia, civil
ensure consistent, clear information is provided in
happens.
society and government to research preventing
a timely manner. Several agencies – in particular
and countering violent extremism, with a
New Zealand Police and the NZSIS – have a
focus on approaches that build resilience
key role in ensuring New Zealanders have the
Objectives:
base shared widely. Global, regional and local
through embracing diversity and promoting
information they need to be aware, engaged and
»  New Zealanders have the information they
contexts are important for understanding current
social cohesion. This centre will help inform
stay safe.
need to be aware, engaged and stay safe.
and emerging violent extremism trends and
public discussion, raise awareness of these
»  Our security agencies have the right capabilities
ideologies, as are related and overlapping issues,
issues and guide the work of policy agencies
to detect and understand the threat to
such as the spread of conspiracy theories and
across government.
New Zealand.
mis- and dis-information.
»  We share appropriate information across the
We will also host He Whenua Taurikura (‘a country
public and private sector.
New Zealand universities and other research
at peace’), New Zealand’s hui on countering
institutes have a key role in building this national
terrorism and violent extremism. This annual hui
Building a shared and clear, evidence-based
understanding and leading constructive dialogue,
will build understanding and stimulate dialogue,
understanding of the evolving challenge of violent
together with government agencies, the media,
as well as promoting research and innovative
extremism and terrorism and their underlying
civil society and communities.
thinking, with the goal of helping us to work
causes is essential if we are to take effective action
together as a nation.
to prevent them.
Within government, the multi-agency CTAG is
responsible for assessing the threat of terrorism,
Violent extremism is a complex issue and research
including for setting the national terrorism threat
into its nature, extent and causes in New Zealand
level. The NZSIS is responsible for detecting,
should be multi-disciplinary and the knowledge
investigating and understanding individual
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mahi tahi — work together
Our security agencies work closely together to
a range of sectors with informed perspectives on
detect and investigate threats, and to share
terrorism and violent extremism.
Partnerships are key
information and resources to enable effective
preventative action.
New Zealand will also continue to work closely
with international partners and contribute to
However, the security agencies cannot manage
global efforts to counter terrorism and violent
the risk of terrorism and violent extremism alone,
extremism. New Zealand is an active participant in
We work col ectively as a nation to reduce the risk of
and effective prevention involves many agencies
regional and multilateral initiatives, and we share
outside the security sector. Across government,
information, learning and best-practice with many
terrorism and violent extremism.
the implementation of this strategy is coordinated
international jurisdictions and partner nations.
and driven by the multi-agency CTCC.
New Zealand, alongside France, leads the global
Objectives:
By taking a partnership approach and building
He Whenua Taurikura, New Zealand’s hui on
implementation of the Christchurch Call to Action
»  Our capabilities across government are
resilience to terrorism and violent extremism
countering terrorism and violent extremism,
to eliminate terrorist and violent extremist content
integrated, effective, efficient, and reflect
together, we will reduce the risk for all
will provide an annual focal point for working
online. This unique, multi-stakeholder (industry,
our values.
New Zealanders.
collectively as a nation to reduce the risk.
governments and civil society) initiative has made
»  We work in partnership with the public,
The hui will bring together a wide range of
considerable progress since its launch in May
communities, the private sector and
Government has primary responsibility for
participants and perspectives from across our
2019. This includes the reform of the industry-led
local government.
preventing, preparing for, responding to, and
society, to collectively examine challenges and
Global Internet Forum to Counter Terrorism, and
»  We work with our international partners to
recovering from terrorist attacks or similar
opportunities, share insights and expertise, and
a detailed collaborative work programme to tackle
identify and prevent terrorism and violent
incidents in New Zealand. Government
advance solutions.
terrorist and violent extremist content online.
extremism of all kinds.
agencies work together on various aspects
of counter-terrorism, from prevention and
The National Centre of Excellence for preventing
Everyone has an important role  preparation to response and recovery. Agencies
and countering violent extremism will lead a new
will continue to build partnerships with iwi, hapū,
Advisory Group on Counter-Terrorism to provide
to play in preventing harm in
whānau, communities, business, academia and
advice to government, including on building
society to collectively develop our capabilities.
our communities.
multi-sector engagement and collaboration. This
group will include broad membership from across
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whakahōtaetae — prevent
to identify, record, and manage hate crime, and
Our work to enhance New Zealand’s capabilities
deliver a service that is more responsive to victims.
to prevent terrorism and violent extremism will
Prevention is our priority
also include:
In addition, the government will provide direct
»  Strengthening our counter-terrorism laws,
support to communities that may be at higher
to ensure we are able to act early and
risk of being targeted by violent extremists. The
proportionately to help prevent attacks and
Safer Communities Fund, created in 2019, has
work to keep people safe.
We focus our efforts and capabilities on effective,
provided funding for enhancements to physical
»  Continuing to implement “Protecting Our
sites for improved security at some places of
Crowded Places from Attack”, our strategy to
long-term prevention.
worship across the country. Agencies responsible
help owners and operators of crowded places
for security will continue to work in partnership
to protect the lives of people working in, using
with these communities to jointly develop ways to
Objectives:
and identity, social cohesion, and stable and
and visiting their crowded place.
reduce the risk and build confidence.
»  Enhancing the ability of government and
»  Our inclusive society addresses the causes of
inclusive institutions are our greatest strengths.
non-government partners to deter and respond
violent extremism.
New Zealand Police will also lead He Aranga
to objectionable extremist content online.
»  We support those in need and promote the
Promoting and enhancing social cohesion is
Ake (formerly MACIP), an early intervention
»  Continuing to combat terrorist financing and
disengagement and rehabilitation of people
important for many reasons and will underpin our
programme. This will aim to prevent terrorism
support, including through the Anti-Money
engaged with violent extremist ideologies.
prevention approach, playing an essential role in
and violent extremism by working with individuals
Laundering and Countering Financing
»  Enabled by appropriate legislation, we act early
helping to address the causes of hate and violent
displaying concerning behaviour and directing
of Terrorism Act 2009, and our terrorist
and proportionately to prevent attacks and
extremism.
their behaviour away from violent extremism and
designations regime.
keep people safe.
violent acts of hate by providing wrap around
»  We safeguard and build resilience in our
We will work collectively to build strong, resilient
services and support.
communities, especially those at higher risk.
communities and whānau that are able to help
»  Those responsible for the safety of others know
prevent extremism from arising, and identify,
and meet their obligations.
challenge and address it should it emerge.
Our strongest defence against the corrosive
We need to ensure the safety and security of all
effects of terrorism is an inclusive society, resilient
hapū, iwi, and hāpori in New Zealand. As part
to hate and violent extremism. Our shared values
of this, the establishment of the New Zealand
Police programme Te Raranga, The Weave, will
make improvements in Police’s frontline practice
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takatū — ready to
New Zealand to enable us to act cohesively,
to discuss the support that they require and how
responsively, ethically and efficiently.
it will be provided.
respond and recover
An effective response to any emergency relies on
In many instances, recovery may be helped by
We’re prepared
leadership, clear plans, and staff at all levels being
understanding how and why an attack occurred.
empowered to deliver in their roles. Operational
The Royal Commission of Inquiry into the terrorist
agencies involved in the response need to have the
attack on Christchurch masjidain, which reported
tools to undertake the functions required of them.
back in late 2020, was a key milestone in the
This requires an enabling legislative framework
recovery from the 15 March 2019 attack.
We take a victim-centred approach, responding swiftly to
that is consistent with our democratic values, and
that is fit-for-purpose to meet the evolving terrorist
The report, Ko tō tātou kāinga tēnei, made
protect lives and working in partnership to support recovery.
threat. It also requires information to be available
recommendations covering both national
to government agencies, and to be shared
security, and wider social and community
between agencies as needed.
matters. The Government accepted the findings
Objectives:
In the National Security System, New Zealand
of the report and agreed in principle to all of the
»  We focus on protecting lives and
Police are the operational lead agency for
Whānau, hapū, iwi, communities, individuals,
44 recommendations.
supporting victims.
responding to a terrorist incident in New Zealand,
charitable and volunteer organisations, and Civil
»  We have the right capabilities and legislation to
and are trained and well prepared to achieve
Defence Emergency Management Groups (CDEM
allow us to respond effectively and efficiently.
this. In any response, New Zealand Police will be
Groups) also all play important roles in both
»  Our National Security System and responsible
supported by other agencies, and ODESC will
the immediate response to any incident and in
agencies are coordinated, practiced
provide coordination and strategic leadership over
recovery. Local communities can support each
and responsive.
national security events.
other, and need to feel supported and enabled by
»  We look after our people, and support the
government and system responses.
recovery of individuals and communities.
Terrorism incidents can range from basic
opportunistic attacks to more complex,
Supporting the recovery and resilience of
No country can completely eliminate the risk of a
multi-faceted incidents using sophisticated
individuals and communities from a terrorist
terrorist incident occurring. Terrorism can occur
weapons. A variety of specific capabilities
attack is a long-term process, involving existing
at the extremes of any ideology, cause or belief
are required for responding to them. These
support mechanisms and bespoke ones as
system. We must therefore always be ready to
capabilities need to be appropriate for
required. Victims, whānau and communities will
respond and recover if a terrorist incident occurs.
have the ability to work directly with government
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New Zealand's Countering Terrorism and Violent Extremism Strategy
Key contributing agencies: CTAG, DPMC (NAB),
06. Respond to incidents, to protect lives and
NZSIS, NZ Police
support victims
»  Respond rapidly and proportionately
03. Prevent and counter violent extremism,
to incidents.
to safeguard and build resilience in
»  Manage incident consequences.
our communities
»  Support decision-makers.
»  Challenge terrorist and violent
»  Manage public and targeted communications.
extremist narratives.
»  Manage offenders.
»  Support at-risk groups to resist radicalisation
Key contributing agencies: NZ Police, NZDF, health
»  Support people with violent extremist
sector agencies, DPMC, Justice, Corrections
ideologies to disengage.
04
»  Counter the means and support that
07. Recover from terrorism incidents, to
enable terrorism.
support a return to wellbeing
»  Reduce terrorist and violent extremist content,
»  Support the welfare and recovery of victims,
and address its consequences.
families, communities and organisations.
Key contributing agencies: social sector agencies,
»  Improve system preparedness.
Our national capabilities
health sector agencies, NZ Police, DIA, Justice
Key contributing agencies: MSD, health sector
agencies, NZ Police, DPMC, NEMA, CDEM Groups
04. Detect and investigate threats, to enable
effective preventive action
»  Specify and communicate
Our enabling capabilities
intelligence requirements.
From addressing the causes of violent extremism to recovery
»  Generate and manage leads.
01. Coordinate the system, to ensure our
from incidents
»  Conduct security intelligence and
efforts are integrated, effective, and reflect
criminal investigations.
our values
»  Understand the capabilities and intentions
»  Set strategic priorities and plans.
Our capabilities are the things we need to have
01. Address the causes of violent extremism
of those with terrorist and violent
»  Coordinate functions, capabilities and change.
in place, and be able to do, to implement this
and promote social cohesion
extremist ideologies.
»  Monitor and review system performance.
strategy and deliver the vision.
»  Engage and work effectively with
»  Generate and disseminate intelligence
»  Administer legislation and regulation.
our communities.
reporting.
»  Advise and support decision-makers.
There are seven core capabilities, directly
»  Develop, support and promote social cohesion
»  Manage residual risks.
delivering the vision across the four pillars of
Key contributing agencies: DPMC, all agencies
and resilience programmes.
Key contributing agencies: NZSIS,
mōhio — understand; mahi tahi — work together;
Key contributing agencies: MSD, Ministry for Ethnic
NZ Police, GCSB
02. Collaborate and communicate, to enable
whakahōtaetae — prevent; and takatū — be ready
Communities (from July 2021), NZ Police
us to work together as a nation to reduce the
to respond and recover. These are supported by
05. Protect people and places, to keep
risk
two enabling capabilities.
02. Understand the threat environment, to
them safe from harm
»  Manage stakeholder relationships
inform prevention efforts
»  Protect, support and enable individuals,
Whilst government agencies will often have
and engagement.
communities and other groups at increased
key contributing roles, these are our national
»  Research, assess and report strategic trends,
»  Deliver public information and guidance.
risk of being targeted.
capabilities. A wide range of organisations outside
threats, risks and mitigations.
»  Build internal system awareness and
»  Secure events, locations and infrastructure
central government provide significant aspects of
»  Understand terrorist and violent
understanding.
at increased risk of being targeted.
all seven core capabilities.
extremist ideologies.
»  Share and leverage system capabilities
»  Understand the drivers, processes, indicators
»  Disrupt threats and illegal activity.
»  Contribute to international efforts.
and implications of radicalisation.
Key contributing agencies: NZ Police
»  Manage, share and utilise information / data.
Key contributing agencies: DPMC, all agencies
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New Zealand's Countering Terrorism and Violent Extremism Strategy
a terrorism or violent extremism incident.
Government agencies work co-operatively with
media to provide timely and correct information
Private sector
that will support accurate, fair and balanced
reporting. Media also have an important role
Private sector organisations have an important
to play in fostering greater social cohesion,
role in building resilience to terrorism and violent
decreasing the likelihood of inciting radicalisation,
extremism by ensuring that their spaces and
avoiding stigmatisation of minority groups, and
places are not used for the purposes of sharing or
reducing the intended impact of terror.
promoting violent extremist or terrorist material
and content, or as spaces for radicalisation. Some
05
private sector organisations may have crowded
places or symbolic sites that may face a higher
level of risk from the threat of terrorism, and need
International
to take additional protective measures to build the
physical resilience of their spaces and places.
New Zealand is committed to supporting the
efforts of the international community to counter
Roles and responsibilities
New Zealand universities and other research
terrorism and violent extremism at the global,
institutes have a key role in building national
regional and national levels. Government agencies
understanding and leading constructive dialogue.
actively participate in a wide range of international
forums and partnerships, including membership
of the Australia-New Zealand Counter-Terrorism
We all have a part to play
Committee (ANZCTC) to ensure the closest
possible Trans-Tasman coordination and
cooperation on counter-terrorism matters.
All New Zealanders are responsible for helping
In an emergency everyone
Local government
to detect and prevent terrorist attacks, as well
Local government has an important role in the
as having a role in preventing and countering
should phone 111
safety and wellbeing of New Zealand communities.
violent extremism.
This includes helping to protect crowded places
If the information is not time-critical, people can
such as civic spaces, community markets, events
Security sector
report suspicious behaviour by:
and festivals from terrorist attack or similar
incidents. Local government can also play a
Multiple government agencies are responsible
»  completing a report at 105.police.govt.nz, or
key role in helping and supporting vulnerable
for maintaining New Zealand’s security. These
Our communities, iwi and hapū
calling Police’s non-emergency number 105.
individuals, and in supporting victims, whānau and
security sector agencies and other agencies
»  visiting their nearest Police station1.
Those who are closest to vulnerable individuals -
communities if an incident occurs.
across government work with non-government
»  phoning Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
such as whānau, friends and community members
organisations, businesses and communities to
»  contacting the NZSIS on 0800 747 224 or via
- are the ones most likely to identify concerning
ensure we have a joined up approach to any
their public contribution form2.
behaviours and be able to seek help and support.
terrorism threat.
Community and iwi leaders, faith communities
Reporting suspicious or concerning behaviour can
and interfaith groups, civil society organisations
»  New Zealand Police: Community engagement,
save lives.
and others across our diverse society can all
Media
prevention, intelligence gathering and
If you see something, say something.
have a positive, constructive role in preventing
analysis, investigation, emergency response,
New Zealand’s media play a critical role providing
and countering violent extremism and keeping all
working with domestic and offshore partners,
information to the public, including during
1 police.govt.nz/contact-us/stations
New Zealanders safe.
2 providinginformation.nzsis.govt.nz
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23

New Zealand's Countering Terrorism and Violent Extremism Strategy
operational lead for reducing risk and
»  Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade
responding to terrorism threats domestically.
(MFAT): Aligning counter-terrorism priorities,
»  New Zealand Security Intelligence
foreign policy interests and international
Service (NZSIS): Detecting, investigating and
obligations to champion our values globally and
understanding terrorism threats.
help keep New Zealanders safe offshore.
»  Combined Threat Assessment Group
»  Ministry of Justice: Ensuring
(CTAG): Providing terrorism threat assessments,
counter-terrorism legislation is fit for purpose
including for setting the national terrorism
and reflects our values.
threat level.
»  New Zealand Customs Service: Enhancing
»  Government Communications Security
New Zealand security through risk identification
Bureau (GCSB): Providing specialist intelligence
and mitigation across borders.
support to NZSIS and New Zealand Police
»  Ministry of Transport: Supporting delivery of
terrorism investigations.
a resilient and secure transport system.
»  National Assessments Bureau (NAB, within
»  Ministry of Defence: Ensuring that
06
DPMC): Providing independent and impartial
New Zealand’s defence activities reduce the
assessments on events and developments
terrorism threat to New Zealand’s interests,
relevant to New Zealand’s national security and
and that the Defence Force is well prepared to
international relations.
support Government’s response to terrorism
Being aware, engaged and

events in New Zealand and offshore.
»  New Zealand Defence Force: Providing
specialist tactical and operational capability to
staying safe
counter and respond to terrorist threats.
Public sector
»  Department of Internal Affairs (DIA):
Deterring and responding to objectionable
The Government has primary responsibility
violent extremist content online.
for preventing, preparing for, responding
What happens in the event of an attack
to, and recovering from terrorist attacks or
Other key agencies with roles and responsibilities
similar incidents in New Zealand. We take a
in countering terrorism and violent extremism
The overall aim of any counter-terrorism response
The government’s response to national security
strategic, multi-agency approach to countering
include the Ministry of Social Development
is securing a swift resolution that reduces the risk
incidents is outlined in the National Security
terrorism and violent extremism, with roles and
(MSD), the Ministry for Ethnic Communities
to the public and ensures as little disruption and
System (NSS) Handbook. In the event of a terrorist
responsibilities that include:
(from July 2021), the Ministry of Health and wider
distress as possible.
threat or attack, the NSS provides a structure
health sector, the Department of Corrections,
that enables effective decision-making at the
»  Department of the Prime Minister and
Immigration New Zealand (INZ) and the National
appropriate levels and a coordinated government
Cabinet (DPMC): Connecting and coordinating
Emergency Management Agency (NEMA).
response.
New Zealand’s counter-terrorism system.
We take a victim-centred
This includes coordinating the delivery of this
approach, responding swiftly
New Zealand Police have primary responsibility for
national countering terrorism and violent
the operational response to a domestic terrorist
extremism strategy, and activating coordination
to protect lives and working in
incident. The frontline response (operational, and
mechanisms if a terror attack or similar
management of consequences) to an incident
incident occurs.
partnership to support recovery. is typically managed locally or regionally, and
supported at the national level.
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New Zealand's Countering Terrorism and Violent Extremism Strategy
However, the complexity of terrorism requires that
New Zealand Police are trained and well prepared
the Government be directly involved to harness
to lead the response to a terrorism incident,
all national resources to respond to an incident,
where the focus is to ensure public safety and
which may have wide-ranging implications.
protect human life.
How do we respond?
New Zealand Police will provide advice
and information to the public via these
In the event of an attack
»  Emergency services respond to any incident
communication channels:
to preserve life, neutralise the threat from
»  Twitter: @nzpolice
attacker(s) and secure the incident site(s).
»  Facebook: New Zealand Police
»  Public statements are made by New Zealand
»  Website: police.govt.nz
Police and/or ministers.
»  The National Security System is ‘activated’.
The response to an incident will often involve
»  The Prime Minister and ministers are
multiple other government departments,
continually updated on the incident.
emergency services, local government, and
businesses.
Move quickly and quietly away from
danger, but only if it is safe to do so.
ESCAPE
Stay out of sight and silence
HIDE
Our response objectives
your mobile phone.
Call the Police by dial ing 111
TELL
when it is safe.
Minimise loss of life
Treat any casualties. Inform
Contain the crime scene and
though rapid response.
and support families.
start the Police investigation.
police.govt.nz/crowdedplaces
Identify, locate and detain
Clarify that the incident
Reassure the public,
the people responsible.
is over and no follow‑up
including to support
attacks are anticipated.
inter‑community relations.
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