New Zealand national threat level lowered

New Zealand's security threat level has been lowered for the first time since a terror attack on Christchurch mosques killed 50 people, with police saying officers will begin to put away their guns.

After the March 15 shootings the country's national security level jumped to high for the first time in its history.

It has remained there for more than four weeks as authorities warned of an increased risk of copycat behaviour or retaliations in line with similar attacks overseas.

On Wednesday, Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern announced the national threat level had been lowered to medium, which indicates " a terrorist attack is assessed as feasible and could well occur".

"While the threat level has been revised to medium, and there is no current specific threat agencies are responding to, people will continue to notice a clear police presence at public events, including on Anzac Day," she said.

“Behind the scene there remains an extensive cross-agency response to counter any potential threats."

Since the attack, patrolling police officers have watched over public areas and events across the country carrying large Bushmaster M4 rifles.

New Zealand is one of the few countries in the world where police don't carry firearms while on day-to-day duty, although weapons are kept in squad cars for use in emergencies and with authorisation.

Officers took steps such as putting flowers on their uniforms, with authorities assuring a public unaccustomed to seeing firearms that their continued presence is a precaution.

Police Commissioner Mike Bush on Wednesday said with the lowering of the threat level, police would be looking to transition back to the status quo.

“We will still maintain our tactical capability to respond to incidents as required, however the public can now expect to see fewer police officers routinely carrying firearms," he said.

"You may still see some frontline staff continue to carry firearms on a case by case basis."

New Zealand's risk level was low before the attack.
​
A number of Anzac Day events across the Auckland region have been consolidated this year in order to provide greater security.

---