Hon ANDREW LITTLE: I'm pleased that two highly-distinguished academics have been appointed to lead the centre. They are Professor Dr Joanna Kidman—whose whakapapa is Ngāti Maniapoto and Ngāti Raukawa—and Distinguished Professor Emeritus Paul Spoonley. One of the strengths of establishing the National Centre of Research Excellence for Preventing and Countering Violent Extremism is appointing leadership that can drive this important work across Aotearoa New Zealand. Professor Kidman has been appointed for a three-year term, while Distinguished Professor Emeritus Spoonley has been appointed as an interim director for up to a year to support the establishment of the centre. Both professors are renowned experts in their fields, and will bring a wealth of knowledge and expertise to the role as directors. 