- Posted October 27, 2022
- Media Releases
The New Zealand Security Intelligence Service has today released a public guide detailing observable behaviours and activities intelligence professionals find most concerning in individuals on a pathway to violent extremism.
NZSIS Director-General of Security Rebecca Kitteridge said it is hoped the guide, titled Kia mataara ki ngā tohu – Know the signs, a guide for identifying signs of violent extremism, will raise awareness of some of the key warning signs.
“We want to help New Zealanders feel reassured that their concerns are also likely to be our concerns. We hope they will then feel confident enough to share their information with us.”
The NZSIS has reviewed all terrorism-related incidents and investigations over the past 16 years to analyse the common behaviours and activities observed.
Almost 50 indicators have been identified and grouped into categories such as mindset and ideology; associations and relationships; and research and planning.
“More than 20 percent of our counter terrorism leads come from information provided by members of the public. Such leads are increasingly vital in a world where harmful activity can be carried out anonymously and without detection.
“We know lone actors pose the most likely violent extremist threat. The public may be better placed than authorities to see that threat, particularly at its early stages.”
The guide has been developed as a resource that will continue to be refreshed based on emerging evidence.
“I hope the guide can be used as the basis for informed discussions about the threat of violent extremism,” Ms Kitteridge said. “It’s about being alert to the threat but not alarmed. Resources like this show there are ways we can work together to keep each other safe.”
While this is the first time NZSIS has released a guide regarding observable behaviour or activities associated with violent extremism, there are a range of other resources it has produced for industry and government around mitigating the risks associated with foreign interference, espionage and insider threats.
How to make a report:
In an emergency, phone 111 immediately. Also phone 111 immediately if the information is time-critical, such as if an attack is likely to happen very soon.
If the information is not time‑critical, you can report suspicious behaviour in one of the following ways.
Tell NZSIS
Complete an online form confidentially on NZSIS’s website: www.nzsis.govt.nz
Tell the Police
You can either:
- complete an online report at 105.police.govt.nz, or
- call the non‑emergency number 105.
Tell Crimestoppers
Phone Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.
A copy of Kia mataara ki ngā tohu – Know the signs, a guide for identifying signs of violent extremism can be found here: