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New Zealand will officially make stalking a criminal offence from 26 May under the Crimes Legislation (Stalking and Harassment) Amendment Bill, marking a significant shift in how the justice system responds to persistent harassment and intimidation. The law follows years of campaigning by victim-survivors, advocacy groups, and legal experts who argued that existing legislation did not adequately recognise or address stalking as a distinct pattern of abuse.
Until now, some stalking-related behaviour could be prosecuted under laws such as the Harassment Act 1997 or the Harmful Digital Communications Act but stalking itself was not clearly defined as a standalone offence in the Crimes Act. The new legislation changes this by formally defining stalking and introducing penalties of up to five years’ imprisonment for offenders.
Chief Victims Advisor Ruth Money described the reform as a major milestone, saying it acknowledges the repeated and sustained nature of stalking that many victims experience. Justice Minister Paul Goldsmith also called the legislation “long overdue,” noting that implementation delays were necessary to allow for training and preparation across the justice system.
The push for reform gained urgency following the 2022 murder of 21-year-old law student Farzana Yaqubi, who had previously reported concerns about her stalker to police. A later investigation by the Independent Police Conduct Authority identified shortcomings in the police response to her complaints. The case became a catalyst for public attention and legal reform. In 2024, more than 20,000 people signed a petition urging Parliament to criminalise stalking explicitly.
Under the new law, stalking is defined as engaging in a pattern of behaviour likely to cause fear or distress, carried out on at least two separate occasions within a two-year period. The definition covers a wide range of actions, including following or watching a person, loitering near their home or workplace, repeated unwanted communication, and tracking or monitoring someone’s movements.
It also includes digital and technology-enabled behaviour, such as using spyware, GPS tracking devices, drones, artificial intelligence tools, or social media platforms to monitor or harass someone. Importantly, the law also covers actions involving third parties connected to the victim, recognising that stalking can extend beyond direct contact with the target.
Other specified behaviours include damaging or interfering with a person’s property or possessions, including pets, undermining their reputation or relationships, and publishing or spreading private information online. The legislation also addresses impersonation and “doxing,” which involves sharing identifying or sensitive personal information without consent. A key provision is a broad clause capturing any behaviour that would cause fear or distress to a reasonable person.
The law is also supported by amendments across other areas of legislation. Anyone convicted of stalking within the past 10 years will be prohibited from obtaining a firearms licence. The Family Violence Act now explicitly includes stalking as a form of psychological abuse. Courts will also be able to issue restraining orders under both the Harassment Act and Harmful Digital Communications Act where stalking is present. In addition, stalking-related conduct can be considered an aggravating factor when sentencing other offences.
Police say they are prepared for the new regime. Officers will be able to issue written notices warning individuals that their behaviour is causing fear or distress and may constitute stalking. While a criminal charge requires at least two qualifying incidents within two years, a formal notice can be issued after just one incident, helping establish that the person has been made aware of the impact of their actions.
These notices are not merely warnings; they create a legal presumption that the person understands their behaviour is harmful. If further conduct occurs, it strengthens the basis for prosecution. Police will also be required to inform and consult victims before issuing notices, including safety planning and ongoing support.
Advocates have broadly welcomed the law but stress that its effectiveness will depend on enforcement, resourcing, and education. Groups such as Aotearoa Free from Stalking have called for specialist stalking advisors to help victims navigate reporting and court processes. Concerns remain about reduced funding for community support services and the growing role of online platforms in enabling harassment. -TIN Bureau