Terrorism

Terrorism involves serious violence, threats of violence, or other harmful acts intended to create fear within a community or to influence governments, organisations, or groups. 

Terrorist acts may target people because of their religion, ethnicity, nationality, beliefs, gender, sexual orientation, or other characteristics. They may also be designed to create widespread fear and disruption within a community. 

If you have been affected by a terrorist incident, support is available. Events like this can have a significant emotional and psychological impact on individuals, families, and communities. 

If there is immediate danger

If there is immediate danger, call 111 and ask for police when it is safe to do so.

During a terrorist attack or other violent incident, follow official safety advice:

• escape if you can do so safely
• hide if you cannot safely leave
• tell police what you know when it is safe to do so. 

If you are unsure whether an incident is terrorism-related, report your concerns to police. Your safety and the safety of others is the priority.

If you have been affected by a terrorist attack or other serious violent incident, support may be available to help you and your whānau manage the emotional, practical, and financial impacts. 

You may be able to get help from: 

• New Zealand Police(external link)
• Victim Support(external link)
• the Victims Information Line on 0800 650 654 
• ACC(external link), if you have been injured or bereaved and meet the relevant eligibility requirements
• other support services, depending on your circumstances. 

Victim Support provides support for people affected by crime and traumatic events, including victims, survivors, witnesses, family members, and whānau. Support may also be available to others who have been affected by an incident. 

Find more information about Supporting organisations. 

If someone close to you has been seriously harmed or is missing

If someone close to you has been seriously injured, killed, or is missing following a terrorist attack or other serious violent incident, police can provide information about what is happening and connect you to support services. 

Financial assistance and ACC 

In some circumstances, ACC may be able to provide support if you have been injured, or if a family member has died because of a serious violent incident.

The support available will depend on your situation and whether you meet ACC's eligibility requirements. 

You can find more information on Financial help. 

During and after a terrorist attack or other serious violent incident, information can change quickly. 

Where possible, rely on information provided by police and other official agencies. Be cautious about information shared through unofficial sources, particularly social media, as it may be inaccurate, misleading, or incomplete. 

If you are directly affected by an incident, agencies may contact you with important updates, information about support services. 

If you are a victim of crime, you have rights under the Victims’ Rights Act and the Victims Code. 

These include rights relating to: 

• information about the justice process
• access to services and support
• being treated with courtesy, compassion, and respect
• making a complaint if your rights are not met. 

You may have rights to information, support, and participation at different stages of the justice process.

You can find more information about what happens during the court process, the support available to victims, and your rights on Going through the court process.
 
Some victims of serious crime may be eligible for the Victim Notification Register. 

Police decide whether a victim is eligible. Corrections manages the register when the offender is in prison or under some community sentences or orders. 

If you are registered, you can receive information about significant events involving the offender. Some people find this information helpful for planning, safety, or peace of mind. 

People can be affected by a terrorist attack or other serious violent incident in different ways. Some people may need support immediately, while others may seek support months or years later. 

If you are struggling or need support, contact a health professional, Victim Support, or another support service. 

• Get to safety and contact emergency services if there is immediate danger.
• Tell police about any safety concerns.
• Contact Victim Support(external link), the Victims Information Line on 0800 650 654, or another support service if you need information or support.
• Ask about your rights under the Victims Code.
• Ask whether you may be eligible for the Victim Notification Register.