History shows that granting further powers to state bodies generally hurts minorities more than others

Last year’s report into the Christchurch mosque attacks was met with scepticism and disappointment from many in the Muslim community, and understandably so. Among its findings, one in particular stands out. Regarding the ability of police and Security and Intelligence Services (SIS) to anticipate the perpetrator’s planning of the attack, the report said: “there was no plausible way he could have been detected except by chance”.

Despite also concluding that these same agencies have been characterised by systemic failure, it suggested giving them greater powers and resources. The government has also embraced the treatment of white supremacy as a form of “violent extremism” and Countering Violent Extremism (CVE) policies as an antidote. But overseas examples and our own history – including instances where we’ve seen them target specific communities such as Māori and environmental activists as well as refugees and asylum seekers – show us that these are the wrong strategies because they actually end up hurting the communities they purport to protect.

New Zealand PM Jacinda Ardern pledges to fight racism as she joins around 1,000 people to mark the second anniversary of the mosque attacks

The 51 worshippers murdered in the Christchurch mosque attacks almost two years ago by a white supremacist have been remembered at a national service with songs, prayers, speeches and pledges to rebuild the community.

New Zealand’s prime minister, Jacinda Ardern, and the governor general, Patsy Reddy, joined around 1,000 members of the community at Christchurch’s Horncastle arena on Saturday for the service.