Parliament has passed the Crimes Legislation (Stalking and Harassment) Amendment Bill to better recognise the harm experienced by victims of stalking and to ensure offenders are effectively prosecuted.
Stalking is characterised by a perpetrator making unwanted, persistent, and repetitive intrusions into another person’s life, causing a range of serious emotional, psychological, social, and economic harm to victims and their families. Stalking behaviours and scenarios vary but carry significant risk that the behaviour will escalate to serious physical violence.
Existing criminal justice settings do not adequately respond to stalking. Stalking has been considered the same as, or a form of, criminal harassment. This approach means the current law doesn’t cover behaviours which are otherwise lawful, like giving unwanted gifts or watching someone. This legislation ensures stalking behaviours can also be treated as criminal offending.
The Bill, which passed its third reading on 19 November 2025, introduces a new offence into the Crimes Act 1961 to better address stalking and harassment as a standalone offence with a maximum penalty of five years’ imprisonment.
The new law provides that a person is liable to prosecuted for the offence of stalking and harassment if they:
The legislation includes an extensive list range of stalking behaviours, including watching and following another person, unwanted communication and damaging another’s reputation and relationships through to damaging their property and doxing.
The law comes into effect in May 2026, six months after the legislation receives Royal assent from the Governor-General. This period will allow for training for Police, court staff and the judiciary, and the development of information for the public.
There is more information at: Addressing stalking | New Zealand Ministry of Justice(external link)