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: White Identity-Motivated Violent Extremism in New
Zealand
Report Date: 25 June 2021
Report No: 21-94-TI
This Threat Insight provides an overview of the core motivations of White Identity-
Motivated Violent Extremism (W-IMVE) globally. This assessment seeks to provide
CTAG stakeholders with an understanding of likely thematic targets for W-IMVE
attacks in New Zealand and the west.
CTAG has moderate confidence in its assessments, which are informed by a large
body of credible open source material, and our understanding of White Identity
Extremism and the W-IMVE presence in New Zealand and abroad.
Key judgements
W-IMVE is the violent end of the White Identity Extremism spectrum – an ultra-
conservative ideology, opposed to progressive change from a past perceived ideal
dominated by white, European-descended heterosexual males.
Adherents of W-IMVE seek to portray themselves as defending three main thematic
areas – ethnicity, society, and economy – which they believe they currently control.
Legitimate attack targets for W-IMVEs include individuals and communities they view
as challenging their perceived dominance or benefitting from progressive change.
W-IMVEs view such individuals or communities as either targets for eradication –
forced removal or elimination – or subjugation through political or physical means.
W-IMVE in New Zealand is highly individualistic, and there is no indication of an
organised W-IMVE group in New Zealand.
The diffuse nature of the New Zealand W-IMVE landscape, particularly in the online
space, can pose a challenge to investigation and interdiction of such terrorist threats.
1