Government proposes longer prison sentences for assaults on first responders

1NewsNZ HeraldRNZSunday 29 June 2025 · 3 outlets · 3 reports · updated

In this story Paul Goldsmith

Photo: NZ Herald (opens in new tab)

Justice Minister Paul Goldsmith has announced proposed legislation to increase penalties for assaulting on-duty police, paramedics, firefighters, and prison officers. The new criminal offences aim to provide stronger consequences for offenders targeting emergency workers. This proposal was part of the National and New Zealand First coalition agreement.

How they headlined it

First reported by 1News, Sun 29 Jun 2025, 6:00pm · 3 reports from 3 outlets over 59 minutes
  1. 1News1News

    Longer jail terms proposed for assaults on first responders, prison officers (opens in new tab)

  2. NZ HeraldNZ Herald

    Government introducing longer prison sentences for assaulting first responders, prison officers (opens in new tab)

  3. RNZRNZ

    Justice Minister proposes higher penalties for assaults against first responders (opens in new tab)