How many organisations, if any, is the Government currently considering designating as terrorist entities under the Terrorism Suppression Act 2002 on the basis of left-wing or "anti-fascist" ideology?

Answer

New Zealand does not use the terms "left wing" and "right wing", when describing different forms of terrorist motivations and has not done so for several years. Instead, we use the descriptors of Identity Motivated, Faith Motivated and Politically Motivated Violent Extemism, as well as Single issue. Officals consider these terms better describe the nature of violent extremist motivations and avoids oversimplification. Officials do not comment on whether or not a group is being considered for designation. Any designation must go through the process set out in the Terrorist Suppression Act 2002. The Act is clear that protest, advocacy, or dissent is not, in itself, a sufficient basis for inferring terrorist intent or terrorist purpose.