Source: Radio New Zealand
A police car outside a Wellington synagogue on Monday 15 December 2025. RNZ / Mark Papalii
Security measures have been increased for the Jewish community across New Zealand after the Bondi Beach terror attack in Sydney, Australia.
Sixteen people died and dozens were injured after two gunmen opened fire on the beach where a large group was gathered for a Hanukkah celebration called Chanukah by the Sea on Sunday evening.
Prime Minister Christopher Luxon told Morning Report police are meeting Jewish community leaders now over security in New Zealand on Monday morning.
A police car could be seen stationed outside a Wellington synagogue on Monday morning.
Major cities around the world like London, Berlin and New York are stepping up security for Hannukah events after the attack.
Luxon said the government has been funding security upgrades at Jewish and Muslim places of worship in New Zealand from the Prime Minister’s Emerging Priorities fund since late 2024.
He said the government had also been part of inter-faith dialogues with different faith groups to offer support.
Luxon said police were meeting with Jewish community leaders to give extra reassurances around security and patrols.
He said he had contacted Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese to offer support and condolences.
“Terrorism, antisemitism and hate have no place in society,” he said.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade said it is not aware of any New Zealanders involved in the fatal shooting.
The New Zealand High Commission and Consulate staff are safe and are urgently working to seek more information from authorities.
Foreign Affairs Minister Winston Peters said New Zealand is shocked and distressed by what he says was a vile terrorist attack.
“Our deepest condolences are with all those who have lost loved ones,” Peters said on social media.
“We stand in solidarity with the Jewish community in Australia, New Zealand and around the world.
“Terrorism, antisemitism and hate have no place in our societies.”
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– Published by EveningReport.nz and AsiaPacificReport.nz, see: MIL OSI in partnership with Radio New Zealand
