Last updated:
Wednesday, 30 November 2022
New Zealand’s current national terrorism threat level is LOW; a terrorist attack is assessed as a realistic possibility.
The Government’s counter-terrorism priority is to ensure the safety and security of New Zealanders both here and overseas.
National Security agencies work together on all aspects of counter-terrorism from prevention and preparation to response and recovery.
We work collaboratively to safeguard New Zealand’s freedoms and way of life to ensure we are neither the target nor the source of terrorist activities.
Read our Counter-Terrorism Work Programme for 2022 for more information.
To report a threat
Call 111 and ask for Police when there is a serious threat to life or property
To report information of security concern, call the NZSIS freephone number 0800 747 224 or log a public submission form here
New Zealand’s threat environment
The threat of terrorism to New Zealand is real. An attack could be mounted by individuals or small groups with extreme ideological, political or religious motives.
New Zealand is vulnerable to terrorism in a similar way other countries are – the openness of the internet, growing international travel movements, and presence within all societies of disconnected individuals susceptible to extremist messaging or ideology.
Our strongest defence against terrorism is a cohesive, resilient society.
To achieve this government agencies build partnerships with communities focusing on open and constructive dialogue on common issues to create strong and inclusive communities.
Responding to a terrorism incident
Multiple government agencies are responsible for maintaining New Zealand’s security:
- New Zealand Police lead the operational response to a terrorist incident with the support of other government agencies when required
- New Zealand Security Intelligence Service (NZSIS) and Government Communications Security Bureau (GCSB) collect and analyse intelligence and investigate terrorism threats
- Combined Threat Assessment Group (CTAG) provide analysis and assessment that informs decision-makers of the physical threat posed by terrorism to New Zealanders and New Zealand interests
- The Department of the Prime Minister and Cabinet provide leadership, strategic assessment and advice, as well as coordination through the National Security System
- Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade leads New Zealand’s international action to advance and protect New Zealanders’ safety and New Zealand’s security
These and other government agencies work with non-government organisations, businesses and communities to ensure we have a joined up approach to any terrorism threat.
Lead agency
New Zealand Police are well prepared and exercised to lead the response to a terrorism incident, where the focus is to ensure public safety and protect human life.
New Zealand Police will provide advice and information to the public via these communication channels:
- Twitter: @nzpolice
- Facebook: New Zealand Police
- Website: http://www.police.govt.nz
Any response to an incident may involve other government departments, emergency services, local government, and businesses.
The National Security System would activate during an incident to ensure a coordinated government response.
New Zealand’s national terrorism threat level
The national terrorism threat level is a scale of five levels that provides an assessment of the likelihood of a terrorism incident. It is designed as a tool to inform and guide government risk assessment and risk management activity.
The national terrorism threat level is under continual evaluation and takes into account specific domestic considerations and relevant international threat factors.
CTAG, an autonomous inter-agency group hosted by New Zealand Security Intelligence Service, is responsible for reviewing and recommending the national terrorism threat level. The assessed threat level is set by the Director of Security. The Officials Committee for Domestic and External Security Coordination (ODESC) considers the appropriate response and recommendations are made to Ministers, including the Prime Minister.
A change in threat level can be used to determine government planning and risk management, and advise agencies so they can take any further appropriate measures. A change in the threat level does not necessarily require specific response from the public.
New Zealand’s current national terrorism threat level is LOW. This means that a domestic terrorism event is assessed as a realistic possibility.
| Threat level | Definition |
|---|---|
| Extreme | Terrorist attack, or violent criminal behaviour, or violent protest activity is expected. |
| High | Terrorist attack, or violent criminal behaviour, or violent protest activity is assessed as highly likely. |
| Medium | Terrorist attack, or violent criminal behaviour, or violent protest activity is assessed as feasible and could well occur. |
| Low | Terrorist attack, or violent criminal behaviour, or violent protest activity is assessed as a realistic possibility. |
| Very Low | Terrorist attack, or violent criminal behaviour, or violent protest activity is assessed as unlikely. |
Government agencies draw on CTAG for domestic and offshore threat assessments to guide their risk assessment and mitigation activities. For example, CTAG threat assessments are used to inform travel advisories and major event security planning.
Offshore threat advice
SafeTravel is the official source of travel advice for New Zealanders.
The website provides travel advisories for specific destinations, with up-to-date information on security risks.
Crowded Places Strategy
Protecting Our Crowded Places from Attack: New Zealand’s Strategy sets out a consistent approach to promote the safety of crowded places. It explains what crowded places are, the risks they pose, and how businesses, event organisers, sports clubs, charities, community and religious groups, central government agencies and local government can help to keep people safe.
The three words for people to remember in event of an attack are: ESCAPE. HIDE. TELL.
ESCAPE. Move quickly and quietly away from danger, but only if it is safe to do.
HIDE. Stay out of sight and silence your mobile phone.
TELL. Call the Police by dialling 111 when it is safe.
You can read the Crowded Places Strategy on the NZ Police website. The Crowded Places Strategy is one of the initiatives within the wider Counter-Terrorism Strategy.
Australia-New Zealand Counter-Terrorism Committee
New Zealand has been a member of the Australia-New Zealand Counter-Terrorism Committee (ANZCTC) since 2012. The purpose of the committee is to ensure the closest possible Trans-Tasman coordination and cooperation on counter-terrorism matters.
The ANZCTC comprises of representatives from the New Zealand Government, Australian Government and the Australian state and territorial governments.
Related links
Anti-Money Laundering and Countering Financing of Terrorism Act 2009
