The STG, originally named the Anti-Terrorist Squad (ATS), was established to respond to high-risk situations which are beyond the scope or capacity of everyday policing.
[2] In 2012, the STG became a police tactical group following the New Zealand government joining Australia’s national counter-terrorism coordination organisation.
[3] In 1977, the New Zealand Police formed the Anti-Terrorist Squad (ATS) a part-time national unit to respond to terrorist incidents.
[10] In March 2019, the STG responded to a terrorist attack at two mosques in Christchurch providing specialist first aid to the victims.
[15][16] In September 2021, two STG operators fatally shot a "ISIS-inspired" terrorist following a stabbing attack at a Countdown supermarket in Auckland.
[20] The STG is supported during its operations by the Armed Offenders Squad, Police Negotiation Teams and canine units trained for use in situations involving firearms.
[10] The STG has deployed to Australia to assist Australian police tactical groups with security at major events including the 2007 APEC meeting in Sydney and the 2014 G20 summit in Brisbane.