The March 15th terrorist has been interviewed, as part of the Royal Commission into the attacks.

In March this year, the man charged over the attack pleaded guilty to, and was convicted of, 51 charges of murder, 40 charges of attempted murder and a charge of engaging in a terrorist act.

The Royal Commission understands that Justice Mander is expected to set a date for sentencing in July.  

Chair of the Royal Commission the Justice Sir William Young says “we can confirm that we have interviewed the individual as part of our inquiry.” 

“While the Royal Commission had undertaken extensive investigations with the benefit of material provided by the New Zealand Police and other agencies, there were some areas of uncertainty.”

In addition, the Terms of Reference and the Inquiries Act 2013 require the Royal Commission to observe the principles of natural justice in respect of any person who may be the subject of adverse comment in the Royal Commission’s report.  That includes the individual.”

Commissioner Jacqui Caine says “this was a carefully considered decision driven by the need to observe natural justice and the ultimate goal of providing answers to the New Zealand public through an authoritative final report.”

“We have given a commitment to the public that we would leave no stone unturned and interviewing the individual is another way we have sought to fulfil that commitment.”  

“As with all interviews undertaken by the Royal Commission, the interview with the individual was conducted in private.  It took place at Auckland Prison, Paremoremo.”

“The individual, and his lawyers, as is the case with others who have been interviewed by the Royal Commission, have been made the subject of confidentiality orders under the Inquiries Act 2013 and are not at liberty to discuss the content of the interview.”