In 2024, the Government set nine targets to improve the lives of New Zealanders. Government Target 4 aims to reduce the number of people who are victims of assault, robbery or sexual assault by 20,000 by December 2029. The Target 4 factsheet contains information on the target: Factsheet - Target 4 - Reduced violent crime.(external link)
Increasing the chance of being caught and held to account
Targeting intervention to where it is needed most
Breaking the cycle of violence for repeat offenders and victims.
The sector has made significant progress across these focus areas, including:
Focus Area 1: Increase the chance of being caught and held to account:
Disrupting gang activity. The Police National Gang Unit is now fully staffed, and the Gang Disruption Plan is being operationalised. Since November 2024, Police have seized 172 gang patches, 163 firearms, and laid 728 insignia charges.
Focus Area 2: Target intervention to where it is needed most:
Protecting retail businesses. Between September 2022 and September 2025, 1,135 stores affected by ram raids or aggravated robberies had security installations completed, with a total of 4,506 security measures installed to date.
Supporting young people. The Military Style Academy Pilot is complete, including its final evaluation report. Oranga Tamariki Intensive Case Management Teams are now operating in Hamilton, Rotorua, and Christchurch. Fast Track has expanded for 14–17-year-olds across six sites.
Focus Area 3: Break the cycle of violence for repeat offenders and victims.
Expanding mental health and addiction support. Additional beds are now available at the new Waikeria Corrections Facility. Alcohol and other drug interventions for the remand population have been introduced at three additional prison sites.
A refreshed Target 4 delivery plan is currently under development, and quarterly reporting continues to track progress.
We are always open to new ideas and new ways of thinking. If you have something to share, whether an idea or research, please email us at: sectordirectorate@justice.govt.nz
Quarterly reports
The quarterly report summary gives an update on the progress made in each target area.
Public and non-public service departments can apply to the Proceeds of Crime Fund seeking funding to provide a range of targeted interventions that reduce violent crime, directly supporting Government Target 4.