New laws for retail crime and citizen’s arrest powers pass

Thursday 6 August 2026 · 2 outlets · 2 reports · updated Thu 6 Aug, 6:22pm

In this story NZME, National Party, NZ First, Paul Goldsmith

Parliament has passed the Crimes Amendment Bill, introducing new offences for attacks on first responders and 'coward punches'. The legislation also implements tougher penalties for shoplifting and expands citizen's arrest powers. Justice Minister Paul Goldsmith says most of these changes will take effect within a week.

How they headlined it

4:19pm6:22pm

1. 1NewsThu 6 Aug, 4:19pm

   New assault, shoplifting and citizen’s arrest changes pass into law (opens in new tab)

2. NZ HeraldThu 6 Aug, 6:22pm

   Expansion of citizen’s arrest powers to take effect within a week (opens in new tab)