New Zealand's National Terrorism Threat Level has moved from high to medium following review by the Combined Threat Assessment Group (CTAG) Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern announced today.
CTAG is an independent multi-agency group with the primary task of continually assessing New Zealand's threat environment. Their assessment undergoes rigorous peer review before a final decision is made to maintain or change the threat level.
Medium is defined as a terrorist attack is assessed as feasible and could well occur. The new level remains higher than it was before the 15 March terrorist attack when the threat level was low.
"New Zealanders safety is the highest priority for the Government. Following review and peer review of the current threat environment CTAG have concluded this change accurately reflects our current status," Jacinda Ardern said.
"While the threat level has been revised to medium, and there is no current specific threat agencies are responding to, people will continue to notice a clear Police presence at public events, including on ANZAC Day.
"Government organisations, including Police, are required to assess their own security settings and ensure they are appropriate when there's a change to the National Terrorism Threat Level and they will make operational decisions accordingly.
"Behind the scene there remains an extensive cross-agency response to counter any potential threats. A number of agencies, including the Police and NZSIS, continue to work hard to understand, mitigate and manage threats and I am receiving regular briefings on that work.
"New Zealanders should go about their daily lives as normal, but remain vigilant. If you see something suspicious or behaviour that concerns you, then speak up and call the Police.
"I'm very heartened that people have been doing this since the Christchurch attack, while also continuing to show their support and solidarity with the Muslim community across the country."
Notes for editors:
The following agencies contribute to CTAG:
- New Zealand Security Intelligence Service
- Government Communications Security Bureau
- New Zealand Defence Force
- Civil Aviation Authority/Aviation Security Service
- New Zealand Police
- Department of Corrections
- Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade
How CTAG sets NZ's National Terrorism Threat Level:
- The national terrorism threat level is under continual review.
- CTAG uses a wide range of intelligence and information to analyse the intent and capability of potential terrorist actors
- The result is a probabilistic statement of likelihood of a terrorist attack, using New Zealand's national threat level framework
- Similar groups in Australia, Canada, and the United Kingdom are responsible for setting their respective national terrorism threat levels; their threat language and frameworks differ.
