‘Vicious, sinister, deadly’: Stalking law passes with up to five-year jail term
Legislation, which creates a new offence for stalking and harassment, passed its third reading in Parliament last night.
The minister behind the bill, Justice Minister Paul Goldsmith, said for too long, perpetrators had been able to emotionally, psychologically and economically harm their victims through stalking behaviour.
Stalking and harassment is defined as a pattern of behaviour which the offender knew was likely to cause the victim fear or distress.
“Stalking and harassment is vicious, sinister and can be deadly. Parliament has sent a clear message – this insidious behaviour has to stop,” Goldsmith said.
“Today is a victory for a wide range of New Zealanders.”
Women are greatly overrepresented as victims by “deluded, the sexist and the abusive”.
“Even worse, their children are frequently exploited to surveil victims, pass on threats, or even be threatened themselves,” he said.
“This victory would not be possible without the tireless advocacy and help of many people.”
More than 600 people submitted to a Parliamentary select committee on the issue with many sharing their own experiences and the impact of stalking in their lives.
A pattern of behaviour is defined as two specified acts within a two-year period.
The Crimes Legislation (Stalking and Harassment) Amendment Bill outlines a range of stalking behaviours, including:
================================
Watching and following another person.
Unwanted communication.
Damaging another’s reputation and relationships.
A police notice system and relevant defences are also built into the new offence.
Green Party spokesperson Tamatha Paul said the Government had agreed to pick up the party’s suggested amendment which was to ensure police informed victims before they served a notice to the perpetrator.
“Survivors and advocates told us that they were worried that when police notify the perpetrator that they are breaking the law, that the victim would not be notified and that the victim could be retaliated against,” Paul said.
“To everyone who got involved and made their voices heard, thank you.”
The bill will come into force in May 2026, six months after the legislation receives royal assent, to allow for training for police, court staff and the judiciary, and the development of information for the public.
=====================================================
Poll: Does a savoury scone require cheese on top, or folded inside?
Help settle the great kiwi debate ... cheese on top, or folded inside?
-
76.3% Inside!
-
23.7% On top!
Illuminate Market 2026 is this Saturday 28th March!
With every Illuminate Market, we’re proving that diversity of mind is a strength! 💪
Recreate NZ's annual Illuminate Market is taking place this Saturday 28th March at Mt Albert War Memorial Hall & Reserve.
At Illuminate Market you can:
✨ Meet and purchase products from a wide range of disability-led microenterprises
✨ Experience performing arts and creative workshops from the disability community
✨Learn more about Moxie, Recreate NZ's work experience and training programme for young people with disabilities
✨Hear from and meet world-ranked T54 wheelchair racer and disability advocate, Jaden Movold (Guest Speaker & MC)
✨Participate in fun activities for the whole family
✨Enjoy delicious food from our vendors (vegetarian, vegan and GF options available)
✨Connect with friends, whānau, neighbours, colleagues and the wider community
Illuminate Market 2026
🗓️Sat 28th March, 4pm – 8pm
📍Mt Albert War Memorial Hall & Reserve
Free entry, all welcome!
💡 A Little Brain Buzz for You⚡
I have two faces, but show you only one.
I once had guests, but now have none.
I’m rarely bloody and seldom blue.
I’m often promised and sometimes new
(Trev from Tamatea kindly provided this head-scratcher ... thanks, Trev!)
Do you think you know the answer? Simply 'Like' this post if you know the answer and the big reveal will be posted in the comments at 2pm on the day!
Want to stop seeing these in your newsfeed?
Head here and hover on the Following button on the top right of the page (and it will show Unfollow) and then click it. If it is giving you the option to Follow, then you've successfully unfollowed the Riddles page.
Loading…
