Centre of Excellence being shaped through public discussion
Venkat Raman
Christchurch, August 15, 2021
Prime Minister Jacinda Arden has said that the government is taking substantial measures to combat terrorism and extreme violence and that various government agencies are working in tandem to achieve the objective.
Speaking through a live video stream (since her flight was unable to land) at the first Hui on Countering Terrorism and Violent Extremism at the Christchurch Town Hall this morning, she said that the ‘Counter-Terrorism Legislation Bill,’ now in Parliament, will ensure that New Zealand has the appropriate legal means to help prevent and respond to terrorism.
Legislative initiatives
“The proposed Law will create new criminal offences for actions that a terrorist may take prior to carrying out a terrorist attack and allow the government to intervene earlier to prevent loss of life. These include planning or preparing for a terrorist act, undertaking terrorist weapons and combat training, and travelling across New Zealand’s border to carry out terrorist activities,” she said.
Ms Ardern said that the new Legislation will extend the control orders regime so that the risks posed by people who have been convicted of a terrorism offence can be better managed and expand the criminal offence of financing terrorism to cover a broader range of support.
She said that her government is bringing forward a review of the Intelligence and Security Act to consider the recommendations and issues raised by the Royal Commission of Inquiry into the Christchurch Terrorist Attack in relation to the Act.
More than 200 people from government and non-government organisations are attending the Hui, among whom are NZIS Minister Andrew Little, Police Minister Poto Williams and Diversity, Inclusion and Ethnic Communities Minister Priyanca Radhakrishnan.
Significant Conversation
Describing the Hui as ‘an important milestone for Aotearoa, Ms Ardern said that for the first time in history of New Zealand, there is an open public conversation, to build an understanding of the research on radicalisation; to look at ways we can challenge hate-motivated extremist ideologies; and to facilitate a discussion about our priorities to address New Zealand’s terrorism and violent extremism issues.
She named four pillars of the country’s Counter-Terrorism Strategy as (1) Understand (2) Work Together (3) Prevent and (4) Be Ready to Respond and Recover.
“The Strategy details a comprehensive long-term programme of work, which includes supporting communities to be inclusive and engaged, reducing racism and hate speech, countering violent extremism online, and ensuring people have the right information to keep themselves and others safe from a terrorism incident,” she said.
Ms Ardern said that the ‘Centre of Excellence,’ another outcome of the government’s response to the 44 Recommendations of the Royal Commission of Inquiry, will be shaped through public debate and discussion at the two-day Hui and thereafter.
“The Centre will bring a uniquely national focus to research on preventing and countering violent extremism, understanding diversity, and promoting social cohesion. My view is that New Zealand has something unique to offer in the counter terrorism space, and the ongoing work of the centre of excellence will be our opportunity to do that,” she said.
Ms Ardern said that the establishment of an independent Ministry of Diversity, Inclusion and Ethnic Communities under the direct charge of Minister Priyanca Radhakrishnan will ensure better results for ethnic communities.
“It will increase the standing and mana of the agency and provide a greater ability to deliver on the ongoing work to better support and respond to the needs of our ethnically diverse communities. But we also know we need to improve capability and diversity across the public sector, which is why we have established an ethnic communities graduate programme to create opportunities and build the knowledge and experience in central government and beyond,” she said.
Earlier, speaking at a panel discussion, National Security Intelligence Service Director General Rebecca Kitteridge said that terrorism and extreme violence pose real risks and that there is no guarantee that these will not occur in New Zealand.
“If there is a terror attack committed in New Zealand over the next 12 months, the NZSIS believes it will most likely come from an extremist lone actor who has gone under the radar, not coming to the attention of Police or our Service. It may come without any forewarning and be carried out using knives, vehicles, or some type of firearms,” she said.
