A Master of International Security journey inspired by legacy

Having worked as a detective and close protection officer for over a decade, ingrained life experiences carved the path for Senior Sergeant Currin to specialise in counter-terrorism and intelligence.

“I lived in London in the late 90s and early 2000s during the time the Irish Republican Army splinter groups detonated a series of bombs in London. In 1999, I walked passed the Admiral Duncan pub in Soho less than 60 minutes before the London nail bomber incident occurred where neo-Nazi David Copeland’s bombs killed three people and injured many more. The attack was part of a bombing campaign targeting London’s immigrant and rainbow communities.

“America’s 9/11 attacks, the London Transport terrorist event in 2005, and being involved in the response to the Christchurch mosque attacks, were also significant in terms of my interest in counter-terrorism.”

Having previously studied criminology and law at Victoria University of Wellington and a psychology major at Massey, he says the combination of all three was a valuable foundation for his latest qualification.

“This academic background provided crucial insights during my postgraduate studies and research focused on understanding the intricacies of extremism and radicalisation processes and behaviours.”

His role in the security response to the Christchurch terror attacks and the subsequent recommendations that followed from the Royal Commission of Inquiry into the attacks, namely the recommendation to introduce hate-speech offences, became a focus for his research.

His dissertation looked at the relationship between the introduction of hate-speech laws in England and Wales, and the incidents of terrorism in those countries. His research concluded that not only was there no decrease in terrorism following the enactment of hate-speech laws, there was in fact a significant increase in acts of terror, particularly those identified as being inspired by right-wing extremist ideology.

He says counter-terrorism is a complex and multi-faceted area of study.

“There are no quick fixes to address the multitude of factors that influence extremism and radicalisation and even well-meaning initiatives can potentially have the opposite effect to that intended in an increasingly divisive and at times unpredictable security environment.”

A different kind of study experience

Senior Sergeant Currin says studying with Massey via distance allowed him to balance most things in life.

“My return to study was quite different to my undergraduate experience, which had been entirely campus-based. I missed the interaction with other students but distance learning affords a great deal of flexibility, allowing me to fit study around family and full-time work commitments.”

He says the lecturers and guest speakers’ experience and examples were incredibly valuable.

“The academic staff leading these subjects have significant professional real-world experience which added authenticity. The contact course for the intelligence papers included a number of guest speakers from various agencies as well as practical, scenario-based exercises which were very informative and enjoyable. I intend to further my career in the intelligence/national security area so that I can contribute to the safety and security of New Zealand.”

As one of two brothers who grew up in Palmerston North, he says his whānau and a childhood centred around outdoor activities were major influences in his life. He is an alumnus of Awatapu College, and was a competitive kayaker and keen cricketer.

“My mother is a retired retail manager and my father was an artificer in the Royal New Zealand Navy – he trained and worked around the world and I was always fascinated by his travels and knowledge of other countries and cultures which very much planted the seed for my own travels. My aunt, Alison Kearney, is a Professor at Massey and she has been a strong influence on me to pursue postgraduate studies.”

Senior Sergeant Currin's rich life experiences have distilled into a simple yet profound philosophy, which he says he applies each day.

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