New Zealand anti-terrorism

The New Zealand parliament passed new anti-terrorism measures late Tuesday which aim to increase domestic surveillance powers and prevent people from travelling overseas to fight for groups like the "Islamic State" (IS).

The new law, which was voted in by 94 votes to 27, will permit the government to cancel a New Zealand passport for periods of up to three years. Previously, this was only possible up to a maximum of 12 months.

In cases of suspected terrorism, the legislature will also allow New Zealand's government spy agency, the Security Intelligence Service, to conduct video surveillance on private properties and mount surveillance operations for up to 24 hours without a warrant.

Watch list

Prime Minister John Key welcomed Tuesday's result, saying in a statement that the government was enhancing domestic security as well as responding to the rapidly evolving threat posed by New Zealanders fighting abroad.

Between 30 and 40 people are said to be currently on a government watch list because of their support for Islamic State. Key said some had traveled to Syria to join in combat with IS, others had tried to travel but failed, and some were suspected of funding terrorism.

Key had previously signalled the law change in early November, saying New Zealand did not want to develop "a reputation for exporting foreign terrorist fighters to places which already have more than enough of them."

The law will remain in effect until April 1, 2017, with the government scheduled to begin a review of intelligence agencies by the middle of next year.

ksb/lw (AFP, dpa)