Otago graduation threats: accused of ‘wanted to overcome mosque attacks’ – police

A woman accused of making security threats that disrupted the University of Otago graduation ceremonies wanted to carry out an attack that surpasses the shootings at the Christchurch mosque, police allege.

The 22-year-old appeared in Auckland District Court today on charges of threatening to harm people or property.

Police say they threatened to commit an attack with firearms and explosives against the graduation ceremonies, TVNZ reported.

The charge further states that this is alleged to have been of a “greater magnitude than the Christchurch mosque massacres of March 15, 2019.”

The woman has been granted provisional name suppression and must surrender her passport and remain at her parents’ home at all times, unless she attends a medical appointment.

The woman’s parents were in court and her mother appeared to cry when her daughter appeared, TVNZ reported.

The threats, made for the first time on December 9, led to the cancellation of the graduation ceremonies at the University of Otago and the Otago Polytechnic, affecting thousands of graduates.

In announcing the arrest of the woman this morning, Southern District Commanding Officer Paul Basham said the university and the Dunedin community at large would be relieved.

Basham recognized Vice Chancellor Harlene Hayne, her team and the university community for the resilience they had shown during “an incredibly difficult time.”

“I also want to acknowledge the tireless efforts of both the investigation team and our staff members who have been working in the community to provide reassurance.”

Hayne said the university greatly appreciated the police who had worked “tirelessly” to achieve a result.

As the matter was before the courts, the police did not want to comment further.