Towards a resilient and safer New Zealand : a model for evaluating the New Zealand countering terrorism and violent extremism strategy : a thesis presented in fulfilment of the requirements for the degree of Master of Arts in Defence and Security Studies at Te Kunenga Ki Purehuroa, Massey University, Wellington, New Zealand

Abstract

A model for evaluating the New Zealand Countering Terrorism and Violent Extremism Strategy (NZCTVES) does not currently exist and therefore there remains significant vulnerabilities within our national security system. This research set out to bridge this vulnerability through the development of a Mixed Methods Research (MMR) evaluation model, that may be applied to either the current or future strategies. The research was broken down into three focal areas; does the current strategy work and how is it evaluated, how do other nations evaluate their counter terrorism (CT) and counter violent extremism (VE) strategies, and finally, how do design, build and implement a New Zealand centric CT and VE model. Focus area one employed deductive research via a qualitative approach, focus area two involved a thematic analysis of other nations’ approach to critiquing and assessing counter-terrorism frameworks and a comparative analysis of existing empirical data in defined international settings, while focus area three finalised the capture and analysis of appropriate assessment and evaluation methodology-related findings, to design an evaluation model. The research findings determined that an MMR approach consisting of a combination of Process and Impact evaluation, were considered most suitable for evaluating the NZCTVES. Process evaluation is a systematic assessment of how an intervention is implemented leading to determinations regarding quality, granularity and delivery of activities, as opposed to just a focus on outcomes. Impact evaluation involves a rigorous evidence-based assessment that determines the causal effect of a strategy, programme or policy on the target population. These findings led to the development of a multi-stage evaluation model, involving both foundational research methodologies, alongside elements of theory and quasi-experimental approaches. Application of this evaluation model will offer a form of fidelity, transparency and ultimately accountability to the delivery of the NZCTVES, thereby bridging a vulnerability in New Zealand’s national security system.