We investigate threats to New Zealand’s national security posed by violent extremism in New Zealand and overseas. We investigate individuals and groups that support violent extremist organisations or promote violent extremism ideologies, or may be planning to undertake a terrorist attack.
Terrorism can happen at the extremes of any belief system, and we investigate any individual, group, or organisation that advocates violence to support an ideology.
We use the following terminology when we’re talking about extremist ideology.
Extremism ideology diagram
Violent extremism is often hard to identify and can involve a range of behaviours.
Our NZSIS investigators have reviewed all cases of violent extremism in New Zealand since 2006. We’ve grouped the behaviours and activities we find most concerning under seven indicators. Below are four indicators we find the most concerning when assessing threats of violent extremism.
Associating or developing relationships with known terrorist groups or extremists
Researching or planning to engage in violent extremist activity
Gathering the knowledge, skills and
resources to carry out violent extremist activity
Preparing to carry
out a terrorist attack
For more information read Know the signs: a guide for identifying signs of violent extremism
We collect intelligence about possible terrorist activity and monitor the activities of known terrorists and terrorist groups around the world.
We share information with the New Zealand Government, with New Zealand government agencies, and with our overseas partners.
Our investigations rely on information about potential threats and extremist activities. This information comes from a range of sources, including the public, international and domestic partners, and from other NZSIS investigations and enquiries. We use a range of powers and information collection tools to corroborate lead information and to assess whether a national security threat exists.
Depending on the nature of the threat, we will consider whether the lead meets the threshold to initiate an investigation or a wider government response. Where appropriate, we work with other agencies – including the New Zealand Police – to investigate the threat and to mitigate any risk to the public.
We also work to identify unknown terrorism threats to New Zealand. We use indicators of terrorist behaviour to detect previously unknown threats and new intelligence about known threats.
We work with various New Zealand government agencies and international partners to do this. We aim to provide assurance and insight on emerging terrorism threats to New Zealand.
The NZSIS has raised awareness around the number of young people we see drawn into violent extremist narratives and then becoming part of our investigative focus. Our concern is shared among security intelligence and law enforcement agencies in the Five Eyes partnership.
Agencies in New Zealand, Australia, Canada the United Kingdom and the United States have published a joint paper, highlighting increasing concerns about the radicalisation of minors, including those who support, plan or carry out terrorist activities.
Five Eyes Insight: Young People and Violent Extremism [PDF, 2.1 MB]
Everyone has an important role in helping to prevent national security harm within our community. You may know something that can help us keep New Zealand and New Zealanders safe.
You may contact us in confidence if you’re concerned about the actions of an individual or group in relation to national security matters, such as violent extremism, terrorism, espionage and interference or wish to report suspicious activities.
Report a national security concernThe NZSIS is not a law enforcement agency.
To report an imminent threat to life or property, call 111 and ask for Police. To report criminal activity that is not time-critical, call Police on 105 or report online.