‘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:
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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.
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Poll: Should we be giving the green light to new mining projects? 💰🌲
The Environmental Protection Authority announced this week that a proposed mine in Central Otago (near Cromwell) is about to enter its fast-track assessment process. A final decision could come within six months, and if it’s approved, construction might start as early as mid-2026.
We want to know: Should mining projects like this move ahead?
Keen to dig deeper? Mike White has the scoop.
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53.1% Yes
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46.9% No
Aucklanders, we want to know: How are you feeling about the current property market?
New Zealand homeowners are now more likely to sell at a loss than at any time since 2013, and if you’re in Auckland or Wellington, the odds are even higher.
But there is a silver lining: buyers are still in a strong position when it comes to negotiating prices.
So we’re curious…
How are you feeling about the current property market?
If you’re keen to dive into the details, Deborah Morris breaks down all the latest insights.
‘Tis the season to not get scammed ...
As Christmas gift shopping moves increasingly online, scammers are ramping up their activity across the country.
Dunedin’s Investigation Support Unit is seeing more and more people fall victim to scams and other fraudulent activity, particularly on Facebook Marketplace.
There are a few ways to avoid the scams and keep yourself safe doing online trades this holiday season, says Southern District Service Delivery Manager Senior Sergeant Dalton.
🔒 “A good first step when looking to purchase something on Marketplace is to check when the seller’s Facebook profile was created. If it’s very recent, there is a higher risk that they have just created this account for a one-off fake item.”
🔒 Another important step is to make sure the seller’s profile name and bank account name match up. “We’re seeing a lot of scammers claiming their bank account name is different because it belongs to their partner or family member - that’s a huge red flag."
🔒 “When you’re selling, never trust a screenshot anyone sends you showing that payment has been made. Check your own bank account to make sure a payment has gone through."
🔒 “Quite frankly, it’s best for all parties to agree to pay, or be paid, for items in cash and in-person. Ideally in a public place with CCTV coverage."
🔒 "If you’re buying a car, check Carjam.co.nz to see if it’s stolen or if there’s money owed on it.”
A reminder: Suspicious activity can be reported on 105
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