1 Nov 2014

Key reveals date for terrorism speech

6:42 pm on 1 November 2014

Prime Minister, John Key, will give his much awaited speech on New Zealand's response to the threat of foreign terrorist fighters on Wednesday.

John Key in Albany

John Key talks to New Zealand military personnel in Albany. Photo: RNZ / Craig McCulloch

Mr Key revealed the date from Albany, Western Australia, where he was taking part in a memorial service marking 100 years since New Zealand and Australian troops left there for the First World War.

More on this story

Mr Key said he would outline any steps New Zealand would take to address any deficiencies in the law relating to foreign fighters.

He would also outline the options available to New Zealand when it comes to the situation with Islamic State.

He said there was no pressure from the United States or Australia over what action New Zealand might take.

"I think everybody understands that we are going through our own process of gathering information, getting a sense of what sort of contribution we might make if we were to make one, where we would be most useful and beneficial overall."

Australian prime minister Tony Abbott (left) and Prime Minister John Key meeting in Perth before WWI commemorations in Albany get underway on 1 November 2014.

Australian prime minister Tony Abbott (left) and Prime Minister John Key meeting in Perth before WWI commemorations in Albany get underway on 1 November 2014. Photo: RNZ / Craig McCulloch

During the service Mr Key made specific reference to Islamic extremists in Syria and Iraq.

"As we look out at the challenges that our countries and the international community confront today - from the brutality of ISOL and its violent extremist ideology, to the spread of Ebola, or working with our close friends and neighbours in the pacific we acknowledge those who continue to serve us."

Mr Key dined with the Australian Prime Minister, Tony Abbott, last night where they discussed the global issues of Islamic State and Ebola.

NZEI concerned about teacher terrorism target

Meanwhile, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade was not matching the Australian government's step of updating the terror threat advisory for overseas teachers.

Australia raised its terror threat advice after an online forum post urged attacks against Australian teachers at international schools around the world.

The New Zealand Educational Institute was concerned for the safety of its teachers overseas.

National secretary Paul Goulter said New Zealand had a high representation of teachers in the Persian Gulf who could be at risk.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade was aware of a threat to international schools overseas.

But it said its travel advisories reflects the current risk for New Zealanders and its advisories have not changed.

Get the RNZ app

for ad-free news and current affairs