Supreme Court Justice Sir William Young will chair a Royal Commission of Inquiry into the Christchurch terror attack.
Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern has released the terms of reference for the inquiry.
"The Government will ensure no stone is left unturned as we examine as quickly as possible how the March 15 attack happened, what could have been done to stop it and how we can keep New Zealanders safe," she says.
"The Royal Commission plays a critical role in our ongoing response to fully understand what happened in the lead up to the attack and to ensure such an attack never happens again.
"The Commission will look at:
- The individual’s activities before the attack, including:
- Relevant information from his time in Australia;
- His arrival and residence in New Zealand;
- His travel within New Zealand, and internationally;
- How he obtained a gun licence, weapons and ammunition;
- His use of social media and other online media;
- His connections with others, whether in New Zealand or internationally;
- What relevant state sector agencies knew about this individual and his activities before this attack; what actions (if any) they took in light of that knowledge; and whether there were any additional measures that the agencies could have taken to prevent the attack;
- Whether there were any impediments to relevant state sector agencies gathering or sharing information relevant to the attack, or acting upon such information, including legislative impediments, and
- Whether there was any inappropriate concentration or priority setting of counter terrorism resources by relevant state sector agencies prior to this attack."
Ms Ardern says Justice Young has the extensive experience and skills required to lead the inquiry.
"I am confident that in his nearly nine years as a judge on our highest bench, Justice Young has the judgement, clarity and care to do the job, with a sound understanding of intelligence issues and experience working in the public eye.
"The Commission has been tasked to engage with New Zealand’s Muslim community, including appointing qualified people to help with effective consultation.
"The Royal Commission will be established by Order in Council this Wednesday, 10 April.
"It is scheduled to start considering evidence from 13 May and is expected to report back to the Governor General Dame Patsy Reddy within eight months - by 10 December."
The Commission will have a budget of $8.2 million and one further member will be appointed by the end of April.