We read the original Bill when it was introduced and concluded that it would have no effect on our organisation, thus our Society did not make a submission originally. However we have concerns regarding the proposed amendments to the Bill, including:

The definition of a "terrorist act" in section 5) is too broad. It goes beyond the normal meaning of "terrorism". The interpretation of damage or disruption to a "national economy" [5)3)e)] is too subjective. For instance NZAVS members would consider the six-billion dollars per year that New Zealand spends on what is euphemistically called "health care" while dangerous drugs and chemicals (reliant on animal-tests in order to be produced and marketed) pollute our bodies, food, water and environment, to be a major disruption to the national economy. Others may argue that anyone opposing factory farming may pose a "disruption" to our national economy. (NZAVS views the latter case as a transformation). We feel that the exception of "unlawful but peaceful" activities in 5)4)a) is also open to subjective interpretation.

Section 10B) is too broad. We are concerned that this could criminalise otherwise law-abiding New Zealanders who give prisoner support (here or overseas) prisoners by way of newsletters, small gifts or other such items.

Prisoner support groups that provide small amounts of money that enable prisoners to purchase food and toiletries that adhere to their diets or ethical or religious beliefs should be explicitly exempt from being designated a "terrorist entity" or "associated terrorist entity".

The need for designations of "associated terrorist entity" is unclear, and no definition of what constitutes an "associated terrorist entity" is provided.

Our organisation is aware of instances of allegations of pro-vivisectionists planting their own incendiary devices or hoax bombs and claiming to be attacked by anti-vivisectionists or animal right activists. It is possible that the State or vivisection agencies or individuals could find legislation such as this an extra incentive to perform similar hoaxes in order to demonise anti-vivisectionists as terrorists. Section 17L) that covers "classified security information" makes the definition very broad and could make it impossible to determine whether dubious actions were fake or real and thus could have consequences in the designation of "terrorists".

We recommend that the amendments be rejected.

Phil Clayton
National Secretary
New Zealand Anti-Vivisection Society Incorporated
27 November 2001