Government accepts findings of LynnMall supermarket terror attack review

The review by the Independent Police Conduct Authority, Office of the Inspectorate for the Department of Corrections and the Inspector-General of Intelligence and Security looked at the actions of Police, Corrections and the New Zealand Security Intelligence Service (NZSIS).

“We acknowledge the survivors and recognise the devastating effect this event had on them, their families, witnesses, emergency responders and the community,” said Andrew Little, the Lead Coordination Minister for the Government’s Response to the Royal Commission’s Report into the Terrorist Attack on the Christchurch Mosques.

“This was a complex, unique and long running case that required national security and social sector agencies to work closely together. The report recognises the system did its best in what was a very difficult and resource-intensive situation.

“While no recommendations were made in the review report, we’re committed to working through the findings to ensure improvements can continue to be delivered across the system.

“This will include a focus on what we can do to address signs of radicalisation to violent extremism earlier. Work has already been undertaken in development of the He Aranga Ake programme led by Police.”

Minister Little stated that the Government has already taken a number of steps to improve counterterrorism efforts in response to the Royal Commission into the Christchurch attacks, including:

• Counter-Terrorism Legislation: Changes made through the CounterTerrorism Legislation Act 2021 to improve the clarity of the Terrorism Suppression Act and provide law enforcement agencies with the means and clear legal authority to intervene early.

• Classifications Act: Amendments to the Films, Videos, and Publications Classification Act 1993 to allow for urgent prevention and mitigation of harms caused by objectionable publications.

• Engagement with communities: Kāpuia, the Ministerial Advisory Group, was established to provide advice and links to communities on the Government’s Response to the Royal Commission of Inquiry.

• Social Cohesion: The Te Korowai Whetū Social Cohesion work programme launched by the Ministry of Social Development in June 2021 is a response to the recommendations from the Royal Commission, including a $2 million community fund to support local, community-led initiatives that promote social cohesion.

• Addressing Violent Extremism: Police is leading the development of He Aranga Ake, a multi-agency preventative approach to identifying persons of concern to reduce the likelihood of violent extremism.

• Preventing and Countering Violent Extremism: Aotearoa Katoa: A Strategic Framework for Preventing and Countering Violent Extremism will be released in 2023 following public and external engagement.

• Improved services for remand prisoners: Corrections is exploring new options for the treatment of people on remand and conducting a needs analysis across the prison estate to determine where and what treatment and interventions are needed.

• National Security System functions: Changes to the National Security System functions are being considered to ensure a stronger system.