Joanna Thantu, The Paper.co.nz
Stalking is finally becoming a criminal offence in New Zealand — and the message from Parliament is blunt: enough.
A new standalone stalking law has passed its final reading, creating an offence carrying up to five years’ imprisonment. It marks one of the biggest overhauls of personal-safety legislation in decades, after years of victims reporting relentless and frightening behaviour with limited legal protection.
Justice Minister Paul Goldsmith called the change “long overdue”, saying too many people — particularly women — have been left exposed to persistent harassment that the old laws simply didn’t capture.
A definition designed for real behaviour
Instead of focusing on isolated incidents, the new offence is built around a pattern of conduct: at least two unwanted acts within two years that the offender knew, or should have known, could cause fear, distress, or harm.
That threshold was strengthened during the select committee process. The original proposal required three acts in one year; feedback from more than 600 submitters pushed lawmakers toward a broader, more realistic definition.
The list of prohibited acts is extensive and reflects what victims consistently describe:
- Repeated following or monitoring
- Unwanted calls, messages, or digital contact
- Damage to a person’s reputation
- Using children to intimidate or surveil
- Persistent loitering
- Publishing personal information or “doxing”
The law is deliberately written to capture modern harassment — not just physical following, but online and social-media-based stalking too.
Women disproportionately targeted
The Minister noted that women are disproportionately affected, often by current or former partners, and that children are sometimes drawn into intimidation. Victims described constant monitoring, unexpected appearances at homes or workplaces, and anonymous online behaviour that made them feel watched around the clock.
Police notices and built-in protections
A new police notice system will allow earlier intervention before offending escalates, and the legislation includes clear defences so legitimate contact — such as lawful parenting arrangements, journalism, or investigative work — isn’t caught by the offence.
When it takes effect
The law will come into force in May 2026, six months after Royal Assent, giving police, courts, and judges time to train staff and prepare public-awareness campaigns so victims know exactly when and how they can seek help.
Goldsmith said the intent is simple:
“Today, Parliament has sent a clear message … this insidious behaviour has to stop.”
The Paper 