New Zealand government seeks to expand counter-terrorism legislation

New Zealand's parliament has proposed changes to the country's counter-terrorism laws following recent attacks.

The changes to the Control Orders Act and the Terrorism Suppression Act aim to provide more restrictions on people thought likely to be planning an attack.

The amendments follow the 2021 introduction of the Counter-Terrorism Legislation bill following a knife attack on several people at an Auckland supermarket by a man with known extremist views.

The changes to the acts will include expanding the criteria for who can have restrictions placed on them in the community, increasing flexibility on whether someone under a control order has their identity suppressed, and making it more difficult for those categorised to have the designation of "terrorist" removed.

Justice Minister Kiri Allen said in a statement: "While no law can ever stop a motivated terrorist from undertaking an attack these changes will go a long way in preventing, disrupting and limiting their ability to do so."

The changes will need to go through parliament, and if finalised will likely come into effect next year.

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