Terrorism in New Zealand

Terrorism in New Zealand is relatively uncommon, although a small number of cases exist.

Level of threat

The Security Intelligence Service stated in its 2006 report that "the risk of a terrorist attack on New Zealand or New Zealand interests is low", but also warned against complacency. [ [http://www.nzsis.govt.nz/publications/ar06/nzsis-ar06.pdf Report of the New Zealand Security Intelligence Service for the year ended 30 June 2006] ] It has stated that there are individuals in New Zealand linked to international terrorism, although some have dismissed these claims. [ [http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/PA0412/S00509.htm Green Party press release - Kiwis should be sceptical Re: SIS terrorism claims] ] One of the best known individuals accused (controversially) of being a threat to New Zealand is Ahmed Zaoui. In another case, a man named Rayed Mohammed Abdullah Ali was deported from New Zealand after being linked to the hijacker of American Airlines Flight 77 which hit the Pentagon on September 11, 2001.

"Rainbow Warrior" bombing

Perhaps the best known attack in New Zealand which is often described as an act of terrorism was the sinking of the Greenpeace vessel "Rainbow Warrior" by the French foreign intelligence service, the Direction Générale de la Sécurité Extérieure (DGSE), in 1985. Greenpeace had planned to use the "Rainbow Warrior" as part of protest efforts over French nuclear testing at Moruroa, and DGSE divers sank the vessel by detonating mines against its hull while it was berthed in Auckland. The crew left the ship, but one person was drowned when he returned to the vessel just before it sank. Technically an act of sabotage, the bombing has been described as the only act of international terrorism in New Zealand.

France initially denied responsibility for the attacks, but later admitted its role. Two of the French agents involved in the attack were arrested, convicted, and jailed, while several others escaped. French defence minister Charles Hernu eventually resigned over the affair.

Police database bombing

On 18 November 1982, a suicide bomb attack was made against a facility housing the main computer database of the New Zealand Police in Wanganui. The attacker, a "punk rock" anarchist named Neil Roberts, was the only person killed, and the computer system was undamaged. [cite web|url=http://libcom.org/library/neil-roberts-wanganui-police-bomb|title=1982: The death of Neil Roberts] [cite web|url=http://punkfest.orcon.net.nz/index2002.htm|title=Neil Roberts 20th Anniversary Memorial Punk Fest]

Wellington Trades Hall bombing

On 27 March 1984, a suitcase bomb was left in the foyer of the Trades Hall in Wellington. The Trades Hall was the headquarters of a number of trade unions, and it is most commonly assumed that they were the target of the bombing, although other theories have been put forward. Ernie Abbott, the building's caretaker, was killed when he attempted to move the suitcase, which is believed to have contained three sticks of gelignite triggered by a mercury switch. [Minchin, William (2005)] To this day, the perpetrator has never been identified.

2007 New Zealand anti-terror raids

Seventeen people were arrested in anti-terror raids on October 15, 2007. These raids targeted environmental activists, Māori separatists and other individuals. Among those arrested was noted activist Tame Iti.

Counter-terrorism

The principal government agencies responsible for countering the threat of terrorism are the New Zealand Police (who have responsibility for direct action) and the SIS (who have responsibility for providing information on which action can be based). The counter-terrorism capabilities of the Police have been expanded in response to the September 11 attacks in the United States, [ [http://www.police.govt.nz/service/counterterrorism/ New Zealand Police - Counter-terrorism] ] , and counter-terrorism also takes up a significant proportion of the SIS's budget. [ [http://www.nzsis.govt.nz/publications/ar06/nzsis-ar06.pdf Report of the New Zealand Security Intelligence Service for the year ended 30 June 2006] ] Some observers have argued, however, that New Zealand "already had in place a very comprehensive set of counter-measures" before that point. [Greener-Barcham, B.K (2002)]

References