The Government has concluded its response to the Royal Commission of Inquiry prompted by the March 15 Christchurch terror attacks, but says it does not mean the work will stop.
Lead coordination Minister Judith Collins said March 15 2019 was one of the darkest days in New Zealand’s history, and "one we will never forget".
Fifty-one people were murdered when a terrorist opened fire at the Al Noor and Linwood mosques. Dozens more were injured.
“The Royal Commission of Inquiry raised a number of issues around safety and security, and work has been ongoing to address those concerns."
She said five years on it was the right time to conclude the coordinated response.
"However, that does not mean the work stops.”
The coordinated response, which has been led by the Department of Prime Minister and Cabinet, had considered the inquiry's 44 recommendations that spanned multiple areas and government agencies.
Thirty-six recommendations had either been implemented or were being integrated into ongoing work programmes, while the remaining eight would not progress, she said.
Collins said in the five years since March 15 2019 government agencies – especially those in the national security community - had made "significant, enduring changes".
Those initiatives included:
- The creation of New Zealand’s first National Security Strategy, Secure Together Tō Tātou Korowai Manaaki
- The establishment of the Firearms Safety Authority
- The establishment of the Ministry for Ethnic Communities
- The public release of Know the Signs – a guide for identifying signs of violent extremism
- The publication of the first New Zealand Security Threat Environment Report
- The Preventing and Countering Violent Extremism Strategic Fund for community-based prevention initiatives
- The establishment of the Ethnic Communities Graduate Programme
As the coordinated response would conclude, Minister Matt Doocey would be the Government point of contact for the March 15-affected community, and any remaining work would be "embedded into what government agencies do every day", Collins said.
“Our commitment remains the same: to ensure a safe and secure country for all our communities.”
“We know the 51 people who died on 15 March will never be forgotten. We will continue the annual anniversary broadcast of the Adhan - call to prayer. The Government is also considering establishing an appropriate memorial to honour the shuhada [martyrs]."
Collins said the Government acknowledged the March 15 survivors, affected families and the witnesses to the attacks, who had "all been at the centre of the response from the beginning".
“We acknowledge, too, the first responders who undertook their work with courage and with compassion. To the medical staff, the ambulance staff, Police, NZ Defence Force personnel and all those involved in trying to save lives and prevent further loss of life, we thank you for your service.
“And thank you to all those involved for sharing your stories and perspectives, and contributing to this important work.”
'Disappointing is not enough of a word' - Labour
In response to Collins' announcement, Labour leader Chris Hipkins said there would be "no better time" to complete the Royal Commission of Inquiry's 44 recommendations, five years on from the mosque attacks.
“Calling it quits before implementing all the recommendations while hinting at liberalisation of the law around semi-automatics is out of touch," he said.
“The Government has a responsibility to do right by the affected community and families. Taking the steps to ensure something like March 15 never happens again requires leadership, something the Government is shirking.
“Taking investment from work being done on reporting threat channels and no money for counter terrorism advisory group are terrible cuts.
“Disappointing is not enough of a word."
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