4. Question No. 4—The Government's Response to the Royal Commission's Report into the Terrorist Attack on the Christchurch MosquesIBRAHIM OMER (Labour) to the Lead Coordination Minister for the Government's Response to the Royal Commission's Report into the Terrorist Attack on the Christchurch MosquesQuestion No. 4—The Government's Response to the Royal Commission's Report into the Terrorist Attack on the Christchurch Mosques4. IBRAHIM OMER (Labour) to the Lead Coordination Minister for the Government's Response to the Royal Commission's Report into the Terrorist Attack on the Christchurch Mosques: What progress has been made in implementing Recommendation 14 of the Royal Commission of Inquiry report into the terrorist attack on Christchurch masjidain?Hon ANDREW LITTLE (Lead Coordination Minister for the Government's Response to the Royal Commission's Report into the Terrorist Attack on the Christchurch Mosques): Recommendation 14 called on the Government to establish a programme to fund independent New Zealand - specific research on the causes of and measures to prevent violent extremism and terrorism. On Friday last week the Prime Minister and I attended the official launch of the National Centre of Research Excellence for Preventing and Countering Violent Extremism—He Whenua Taurikura. By establishing the centre at Te Herenga Waka—Victoria University of Wellington and directly supporting research nationally we are going further than the original recommendation by the royal commission. The centre will be a keystone in helping us to become a more resilient inclusive and safer Aotearoa New Zealand. The launch of this centre is another step in implementing all of the recommendations from the royal commission report which remain a priority for the Government as we continue to honour those lost and affected by the terrorist attack on the Christchurch mosques. Ibrahim Omer: Who has been appointed to lead this centre?Hon ANDREW LITTLE: I'm pleased that two highly-distinguished academics have been appointed to lead the centre. They are Professor Dr Joanna Kidman—whose whakapapa is Ngāti Maniapoto and Ngāti Raukawa—and Distinguished Professor Emeritus Paul Spoonley. One of the strengths of establishing the National Centre of Research Excellence for Preventing and Countering Violent Extremism is appointing leadership that can drive this important work across Aotearoa New Zealand. Professor Kidman has been appointed for a three-year term while Distinguished Professor Emeritus Spoonley has been appointed as an interim director for up to a year to support the establishment of the centre. Both professors are renowned experts in their fields and will bring a wealth of knowledge and expertise to the role as directors. Ibrahim Omer: How will this centre contribute to the prevention and the countering of violent extremism?Hon ANDREW LITTLE: The National Centre of Research Excellence for Preventing and Countering Violent Extremism will play a key role in bringing together research organisations civil society and Government to research this important area. The royal commission made clear that those disposed to carrying out violent extremism and terrorist acts live in our communities and so understanding the influences and factors that drive people to this behaviour requires an understanding of what is happening at a family whānau and community level. The centre will provide scholarships that support research carried out at a New Zealand university or tertiary institute that will contribute to developing our understanding of the drivers of extremism.