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Summarised by Centrist
Prime Minister Christopher Luxon says the mass shooting at a Jewish holiday celebration at Sydney’s Bondi Beach “appears to have been an act of antisemitism in all its ugliness and cruelty.”
The attack killed 16 people, including the shooter.
Luxon said New Zealand and Australia are “family” and that Hanukkah should be “a time of peace and joy, not pain and grief”. He said “terrorism and hate have no place in our societies” and urged New Zealanders to “call out intolerance where we see it”.
The government response, Luxon said, centres on increased police support, including additional patrols at significant Jewish worship sites, continued protective measures for places of worship more broadly, and ongoing engagement with Jewish and interfaith groups. He said the heightened police presence will remain for as long as worshippers want it.
Luxon said New Zealand’s terrorism threat level remains unchanged, meaning a terrorist attack is still considered a “realistic possibility”, and the level is continually assessed.
He said he would meet privately with members of the Jewish community to express solidarity, and would “definitely consider” attending any memorial depending on timing.
On firearms, Luxon said questions about the weapons used are for the Australian investigation, while reiterating the government’s position that firearms reforms are focused on public safety.
He reiterated that the firearms register, which tracks licensed gun owners and weapons nationwide, will continue despite ongoing debate over its scope and effectiveness.
