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 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.
We use the following terminology when we’re talking about extremist ideology.
Extremism ideology diagram
Young people and violent extremism
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.
The national terrorism threat level states the likelihood of a terrorist attack occurring in New Zealand.
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.
We are not a law enforcement agency and we do not investigate matters that do not involve threats to national security.
If you are concerned about an immediate threat to public safety, contact the Police on the 111 emergency number.