‘Vicious, sinister, deadly’: Stalking law passes with up to five-year jail term

Justice Minister Paul Goldsmith says more than 600 people submitting to Parliament's select committee on the legislation. Photo / Mark Mitchell

Stalking will soon become a criminal offence with a maximum prison sentence of five years.

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.

Julia Gabel is a Wellington-based political reporter. She joined the Herald in 2020 and has most recently focused on data journalism.