A the country still reels from the Christchurch terrorist attack New Zealand's high security alert will remain until the threat of retaliatory action or copy-cat action has subsided.
Today NZSIS and GCSB Minister Andrew Little said the number of people under surveillance by New Zealand's security agencies had increased.
Mr Little told 1 NEWS there was "newly warranted activity that is taking place to deal with the issues and the aftermath" of the Christchurch terrorist attack.
Mr Little would not go into detail, but said there was "new work being carried out".
"It's part of a very, very extensive investigation the police are leading."
When asked why the number of people under surveillance had risen, Mr Little said "once you start looking, you see more and you follow up on various new dimensions and new leads".
Mr Little said New Zealand's high security status is reviewed each day, considering the "threat of retaliatory action or the threat of copy-cat action".
"It's a known factor after an event like the terror attack on 15th of March, there is a period of time in which retaliation or copy-act action are possible.
"International experience suggests that that doesn't subside straight away."
When asked if the terror attack was a failing of New Zealand's intelligence agencies, Mr Little said he could not say at this point, "that's the role of the Royal Commission of Inquiry".
He said New Zealand was not a surveillance state.
"Every piece of activity, every email, every social media post is not being actively monitored and watched, that would be incredibly resource intensive."
Mr Little also said New Zealand agencies are currently working with surveillance agencies around the world.
"Pretty much wherever [the alleged perpetrator] travelled, agencies in those countries would have been contacted."
He was asked if there had been failings by New Zealand’s intelligence agencies.
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