New stalking and harassment law passes final reading

Thursday 20 November 2025 · 3 outlets · 3 reports · updated Thu 20 Nov 2025, 3:36pm

In this story Paul Goldsmith

Parliament has passed the Crimes Legislation (Stalking and Harassment) Amendment Bill, making stalking a specific criminal offence. The new law allows for a maximum prison sentence of five years and is expected to take effect in May 2026.

How they headlined it

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1. StuffThu 20 Nov 2025, 6:25am

   Stalking law passes, carries five-year jail term (opens in new tab)

2. NZ HeraldThu 20 Nov 2025, 11:48am

   ‘Vicious, sinister, deadly’: Stalking law passes with up to five-year jail term (opens in new tab)

3. Otago Daily TimesThu 20 Nov 2025, 3:36pm

   Anti-stalking legislation passes final hurdle (opens in new tab)