Auckland (Avneet Kaur)
Auckland police have laid the country’s first stalking and harassment charge under New Zealand’s newly strengthened laws, less than a day after the legislation officially came into force.
According to the information procured, a 39-year-old Auckland man has been accused of stalking and harassing a woman through repeated unwanted contact over a two-year period.
Court documents reportedly allege the man followed the complainant after she exited a bus, later re-initiated unwanted communication, and then allegedly followed her off another bus during a separate incident. Authorities allege the behaviour was likely to cause the woman fear or emotional distress.
The accused has also been charged with committing an indecent act against the complainant and was scheduled to appear in Auckland District Court on Wednesday.
The case marks the first use of New Zealand’s new anti-stalking legislation, which officially took effect on Tuesday and now makes stalking a standalone criminal offence punishable by up to five years imprisonment.
Acting Director of Prevention Natasha Allan on the case has said that the charge reflects how quickly police intend to act under the strengthened laws to protect victims and prevent behaviour from escalating further.
She reportedly said police had already begun using the expanded powers available under the legislation and stressed the move should send a clear message that authorities will actively enforce the new law.
The legislation defines stalking and harassment as repeated behaviour involving at least two specified acts within a two-year period, where the offender knew their actions were likely to cause fear or distress to the victim.
Justice Minister Paul Goldsmith had earlier described stalking as “vicious” and “sinister”, saying victims — particularly women — have for years suffered serious emotional and psychological harm while offenders often escaped strong legal consequences.
The Government says the reforms were introduced following years of advocacy and hundreds of public submissions from victims and community groups calling for stronger legal protections against stalking and harassment in New Zealand.
