The following is summarised information from a Combined Threat Assessment Group
(CTAG) Threat Insight. Where possible, excerpts of the original document have been used.
Some details are withheld under section 6(a) of the Official Information Act 1982 as release
would prejudice national security.
Threat Insight: Violent Protest in New Zealand
Report Date: 8 March 2021
Report No: 21-25-TI
This Threat Insight provides an overview of violent protest activity in New Zealand
compared to similar international events, and explains CTAG’s mandate regarding
violent protest activity in New Zealand. The purpose of this product is to inform
stakeholders of the type of protest activity that meet’s CTAG’s mandate.
CTAG has moderate confidence in our assessments, which are informed by open
source reporting.
Key judgements
CTAG defines violent protest as a premeditated decision or agreement by protestors
to commit violence against people or significant damage to public or private
property, as part of their protest activity.
Violent protest events are rare in New Zealand and CTAG notes only two acts of
violent protest in the recent past that fit our criteria.
Protests at major events in New Zealand have been peaceful in recent years, and we
assess the majority of the New Zealand-based activists will continue to engage in
non-violent protest activity, even if disruptive or otherwise unlawful.
Although international events continue to influence protest activity in New Zealand, it
is highly unlikely that violent protests overseas will provoke violence in New Zealand.
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