The risk of a terrorist attack in New Zealand is low, but Government are determined that New Zealand and New Zealanders be neither the target nor source of terrorist activities.

The designation of terrorist entities is one measure New Zealand takes to contribute to the international campaign against terrorism. The Terrorism Suppression Act 2002 (TSA) provides for a list of terrrorist entities to be established and maintained in New Zealand. Police are responsible for coordinating requests to the Prime Minister for designation as a terrorist entity.