- Posted December 08, 2020
- Media Releases
Attribute to Rebecca Kitteridge, Director-General, New Zealand Security Intelligence Service:
At the heart of the Royal Commission of Inquiry are the 51 victims of the 15 March terrorist attacks, their whānau, survivors and witnesses. They are also front of mind for me in the New Zealand Security Intelligence Service (NZSIS) response to the Royal Commission’s report.
These brutal attacks changed the lives of so many innocent people, and I cannot begin to comprehend what they have gone through since that day.
The Royal Commission found no failures within any Government agencies that would have allowed the individual’s planning and preparation to have been detected, but did identify many lessons to be learnt and significant areas needing change.
I have reflected deeply on the submissions made to the Royal Commission by different Muslim organisations, and comments made to the media by Muslims who have felt that they have been targeted by the security agencies. I know that some people with whom NZSIS has engaged felt that they were under suspicion or were of security concern when that was not so. In some cases this caused real anxiety, and led to the belief that the Muslim community was being monitored – which was not and is not the case. NZSIS should have done better at explaining our role to the community and listening to their concerns. I know that a number of people have found this upsetting, and to them I apologise.
I also acknowledge the need to ensure that there is an appropriate and adequate focus of resources on the range of threats New Zealand faces.
I welcome that conclusion and will work within NZSIS and with my colleagues across the wider national security system to ensure that we act in ways that enable everyone in New Zealand to go about their lives safely and with confidence.
NZSIS can only do its important work through building relationships of trust. The Royal Commission’s report gives us an opportunity to listen, learn and strengthen those relationships. We are fully committed to taking that path, and we know that it will help us to keep Aoteaora New Zealand safe.
END
A copy of the Royal Commission’s report is available on its website: christchurchattack.royalcommission.nz(external link)
Read the executive summary of AROTAKE [PDF, 614 KB].