Kia ora koutou

We know that security and safety are fundamental to everyone in New Zealand. I want to share a couple of updates on our work in this significant area.

Over the last few months, we have been working closely with Rebecca Kitteridge, Director-General of Security, New Zealand Security Intelligence Service (NZSIS) and her team to support engagement with ethnic communities.

He Whenua Taurikura Hui 2022

Last week in Auckland, Rebecca and I spoke on a panel at the He Whenua Tauikura conference.

I talked about the importance of building trust between government and communities because trust is critical to inclusion. I also shared some of the concerns we have heard from you about the racism and discrimination our ethnic communities continue to have to deal with in society.

Rebecca shared the recent launch of the NZSIS’s public guide, “Know the Signs”, detailing observable behaviours and activities to help identify signs of violent extremism in the community.

My interview with Rebecca - asking her questions on your behalf

 As part of our efforts to make more information available and continue to build trust between our communities and the government, I recently interviewed Rebecca Kitteridge on video.

The purpose of the interview was to unpack some myths and facts about the NZSIS and explore critical national security issue in Aotearoa following the 15 March 2019 terrorist attacks in Christchurch. I asked her several questions about that unfathomable day and the NZSIS’s role in keeping all New Zealanders safe. She was very open about sharing her insights.

The below sums up some of the key talking points of the interview:

• How our national security and intelligence system works in New Zealand – that might be different to other countries. 
• Current national security threats to New Zealand, including online expressions of hatred.
• Counter Terrorism and Foreign Interference.
• How the community can play a role in preventing extremism and keeping the country safe.
• The working culture of NZSIS towards delivering their mission, their diversity and inclusion strategy, and how they upskill their team in cultural sensitivity and unconscious bias.

I hope you get reassurance and answers to your questions from this full 21-min interview: 

Mervin Singham interviews Rebecca Kitteridge, NZSIS

You can also watch different parts of the interview by clicking on the link below:

Myths v Reality and the National security system (3:38 min)

The community has a role to play in prevention (4:24 min)

Counter Terrorism and Foreign Interference (3:11 min)

Online expressions of hatred (2:54 min)

Also, stay tuned to our social media channels, as there will be several clips posted over the coming weeks so you can share it with your communities and networks.

We believe that it is critically important that our ethnic communities freely express their culture, faith, and identity with no fear of reprisal.

The Ministry continues to work across the sector with other agencies to influence and inform policies and initiatives affecting ethnic communities.

Don't hesitate to contact us if you have any concerns. We're keen to hear your suggestions on how to support you to feel safer and more included in Aotearoa New Zealand.

Ngā mihi,

Mervin

Contact Us

Our regional teams are here to help facilitate and encourage inclusiveness and diversity in Aotearoa and to offer support and advice to all of our ethnic communities.

You can reach out to us by email at info@ethniccommunities.govt.nz.

Take care of yourselves, your families, loved ones and wider communities.

Ngā mihi nui

Mervin Singham
Chief Executive
Ministry for Ethnic Communities