Horrific attack at Al Noor Mosque Christchurch New Zealand 15 March 2019


Response three years on from the Christchurch terrorist attack


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ew Zealand-based Gareth Jones, a senior lecturer in leadership studies, a cultural literacy advisor and a security and intelligence commentator, examines the impact of the attack, in particular, on the Muslim community, the


ongoing response, and emphasises the importance of tackling racism and Islamophobia.


The attack in Christchurch against citizens of Aotearoa (New Zealand) and of Islamic faith has left a deep wound not forgotten. The country stopped that day and was forced to reconsider so much about who we are, why and where we could possibly go from the horror of this event.


Many Kiwis contemplated the horror and huge aroha (love), and awhi (support) was extended to the victims, their families, and the Muslim community immediately after and the following months. Gun laws were changed and quickly. A Royal Commission of Inquiry into the attacks was established. From the horror of this catastrophe, Aotearoa would respond as one people, the saying in Maori 'Ko t tou, tatou’ (‘We are one') was the catch cry at the time and would serve as the basis


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for healing, working through the grief and dealing with immense sadness and loss. Muslims of Aotearoa would be reassured that they were our people and we were them and with them as citizens, 'Ko t tou, tatou’. Jacinda Ardern would represent Aotearoa with acclaim and a sincere warmth for those who needed to hear of hope or some sense. The police response at the time was exceptional, the capture of the attacker (far-right white extremist) was done with bravery and professionalism by law enforcement. The attacker (an Australian) is the first criminal in Aotearoa to be sentenced to life in prison with no eligibility for release, the most severe punishment ever given; he will die in prison without release.


Fast forward to 2022 and what is the scorecard on safety and inclusivity for the Muslim community? What do we know from the findings of the Royal Commission of Inquiry into the terrorist attack on Christchurch masjidain on 15 March 2019?


Royal Commission of Inquiry Response


The Royal Commission of Inquiry into the Christchurch attack called for 44 recommendations. The aim of Government was the overarching vision for a diverse, inclusive and safe New Zealand. The work programme is organised across five themes agreed by Cabinet which reflect the response to the Royal Commission of Inquiry report. The five major themes:


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• Social cohesion, education and inclusion • Reducing hate-motivated crime and racism • Firearms and safety • Countering terrorism and violent extremism • National security system


Each of the recommendations is related or attached to one of the five themes. According to the Royal Commission of Inquiry Response – Progress Tracker January 2022, of the 44 recommendations, 6 have been completed, with the remaining status underway. The Federation of Islamic Associations (FIANZ), is largely satisfied at where things are three years on. They have also noted that the work the New Zealand Police are doing is ‘gold standard’.


Disquiet about progress


There are some within the Muslim community who are not happy with the progress which is being made and that the measure should be how they feel in terms of a safe New Zealand. With only 6 of the 44 recommendations completed, there is some disquiet that the recommendations are not being addressed in a timely manner.


Recently, Meng Foon, the Race Relations Commissioner, criticised the government's lack of action in passing legislation cracking down on hate speech and suggested they were lagging behind. He stated that the legislation needed to offer protection to three key areas – religion, gender, disabilities – and went on to say that these groups are not covered at all.


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