MFAT’s role
We build networks with other countries and international organisations so we can keep informed of terrorist threats, share information, and improve our capacity to respond. MFAT represents New Zealand at international forums that deal with terrorism.
We promote New Zealand’s security interests and support a stable, rules-based approach to international security.
More information on New Zealand’s domestic counter terrorism strategy is available here(external link).
New Zealand's approach
The causes of terrorism are complex and multi-dimensional, and countering terrorism requires a range of approaches. We have a coordinated, whole of government response both globally and regionally.
What we're doing globally
New Zealand works with several international partners to improve global counter-terrorism capability. We do this through policy, legislation and practical initiatives that help prevent terrorist financing, violent extremism, radicalisation and recruitment.
We support the UN Global Counter Terrorism Strategy(external link). We follow a national process to make sure New Zealand complies with the UN Security Council’s terrorist sanctions against these entities.
Read more about our list of designated terrorist entities and our UN obligations(external link)
More on UN Security Council sanctions
Groups and initiatives New Zealand works with include:
- International Coalition to Counter ISIL - New Zealand has previously engaged in deployments as part of our overall contribution to the international coalition against ISIL, and to promote peace and security. New Zealand has also delivered on cabinet mandated funding to this organisation from 2022-2025.
- Global Counter Terrorism Forum (GCTF) – a group of around 30 countries that work together to find ways to prevent, combat and prosecute terrorist acts, and to promote the UN’s Counter Terrorism Strategy.
- Global Community Engagement and Resilience Fund (GCERF) – an initiative of the GCTF that supports local community-based efforts to prevent violent extremism.
- Financial Action Task Force (FATF) - helps countries put in place laws and regulations that prevent the financing of terrorist organisations.
What we're doing regionally
Countering terrorism within our region is very important to New Zealand's national security. We support other countries in their efforts to work against violent extremism and radicalisation, and prevent recruitment to terror groups.
Our work in counter-terrorism capacity building is largely focused on South-East Asia. Our partners include governments, NGOs, and training centres for counter terrorism such as the Jakarta Centre for Law Enforcement Cooperation and the Southeast Asia Regional Centre for Counter-Terrorism in Malaysia.
In the wider region we work to find practical counter terrorism solutions through several forums, including the ASEAN Regional Forum.