Citizens’ arrest powers expanded under new criminal law
Parliament has passed laws expanding citizen's arrest powers and creating new offences for assaults on first responders and coward punches.
The Crimes Amendment Bill has passed its third reading, introducing expanded citizen's arrest powers and new criminal offences. The changes are intended to help retailers better address shoplifting, while also creating specific offences targeting assaults on first responders and unprovoked punches. However, Retail NZ has raised concerns that the expanded powers could put retail staff in harm's way.
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Coverage across the news outlets we track, as at publication.
What outlets are saying
Stuff
Citizens’ arrest powers set for major expansion under new law
The Government says retailers will be better equipped to stop shoplifters, while new offences targeting coward punches and assaults on first responders are also set to become law.
1News
New assault, shoplifting and citizen’s arrest laws pass into law
The Crimes Amendment Bill passed its third reading in Parliament – delivering a suite of new criminal charges and powers.
NZ Herald
Expansion of citizen’s arrest powers to take effect within a week
New offences target assaults on first responders and 'coward punches'.
RNZ
New citizen's arrest powers 'putting retail staff in harm's way', Retail NZ says
The head of Retail NZ says new legislation expanding citizen's arrest powers could do more harm than good.