Understanding New Zealand's Approach to Countering Terrorism and Violent Extremism
Following the tragic events at Bondi Beach, many New Zealanders are asking: what is our country doing to protect communities from terrorism and violent extremism? And perhaps more pointedly: could it happen here?
The honest answer is yes, it could. We'd all like to believe that New Zealand is somehow different – that our relative isolation and peaceful communities make us immune. But the Christchurch mosque attacks in 2019 shattered that illusion. And yesterday's attack in Sydney – a city not unlike our own, at a community gathering not unlike many we attend – is a stark reminder that complacency is not a strategy.
The question isn't whether something will happen. It's whether we're prepared if it does.
New Zealand's Countering Terrorism and Violent Extremism Strategy
New Zealand's strategy provides a comprehensive framework built around four pou (pillars):
Mōhio -Understand: Building awareness of what violent extremism looks like in Aotearoa and ensuring New Zealanders can recognise warning signs.
Mahi tahi - Work together: A collaborative approach across government agencies, communities, businesses, and individuals. Counter-terrorism isn't just the job of intelligence services – we all have a role to play.
Whakahōtaetae - Prevent: Intervening early to support people at risk of radicalisation and creating a safer online environment.
Takatū - Be ready to Respond and Recover: Ensuring swift, effective action when incidents occur and supporting those affected.
Protecting crowded places
Alongside the counter-terrorism strategy, NZ Police has developed Protecting Our Crowded Places from Attack: New Zealand's Strategy - practical guidance for anyone responsible for spaces where people gather.
Crowded places aren't just stadiums and shopping malls. They include council facilities, libraries, markets, festivals, community centres, places of worship, tourist attractions, and even busy urban streets. If your organisation hosts or manages spaces where people come together, you have a duty of care to consider security.
This doesn't necessarily mean armed guards and metal detectors. It starts with asking some simple questions: What are our entry and exit points? How would we alert staff and visitors to a threat? What does suspicious behaviour look like, and do our people know how to report it? Have we walked through scenarios with our team?
For higher-risk events or locations, more robust measures may be appropriate – CCTV, lighting improvements, physical barriers like bollards, visible security presence, or even screening and bag checks. The key is that your response is proportionate to your risk profile. A weekend market will have different needs to a major sporting event, but both benefit from having a plan.
If you're unsure where to start, specialist security advisors can help you assess your vulnerabilities and develop a security plan that's fit for purpose. This is exactly the kind of work OPSEC supports organisations with – from risk assessments through to staff training and emergency response planning.
What can businesses and organisations do?
Start by completing the self-assessment tools available on the NZ Police Crowded Places website. These help you identify security gaps and prioritise actions. Consider your physical environment, your people, and your procedures.
Think about who needs to know what. Does your front-of-house team know what to do if someone reports suspicious behaviour? Do your managers know who to call? Have you tested your emergency procedures – not just for fire, but for an active threat?
Being prepared isn't about creating fear. It's about creating confidence. When your people know what to do, they're empowered to act – and that could save lives.
What can individuals do?
Stay aware of your surroundings, particularly in crowded places. Trust your instincts – if something feels wrong, it's okay to move away or report it.
Know the response in an emergency: ESCAPE. HIDE. TELL.
ESCAPE: Move quickly and quietly away from danger, but only if it's safe to do so. Leave belongings behind – they're not worth your life.
HIDE: If you can't escape, find a place to hide. Stay out of sight, silence your phone, and wait for emergency services.
TELL: When it's safe, call 111 and give Police as much information as you can – location, what you saw, how many people involved.
And remember that prevention starts in our communities. If you notice someone becoming isolated, expressing extremist views, or showing signs of radicalisation, reaching out – or reporting your concerns – could make all the difference. You don't need to be certain. If something doesn't feel right, say something.
If you see something, say something.
You can report security concerns to the NZSIS on 0800 747 224 or call 111 in an emergency. For non-urgent concerns, call 105 or visit 105.police.govt.nz.
For more information, visit the DPMC Counter-Terrorism page or the NZ Police Crowded Places resources.