New Zealand Parliament Unanimously Passes Victim Protection Bill

Wellington, NZ | December 31, 2024

In an unprecedented display of unity across party lines, the New Zealand House of Representatives unanimously passed the Corrections (Victim Protection) Amendment Bill. This legislation aims to enhance protections for victims by preventing unwanted contact from offenders who are currently incarcerated.

The bill reached its third reading in a session marking the end of parliamentary activities for 2024. National MP Rima Nakhle, representing Takanini, led the charge on this pivotal piece of legislation. She inherited the bill from former Minister Louise Upston and emphasized its focus on protecting victims of crime from harassment by prisoners.

During her speech, Nakhle acknowledged her god-daughter Ishara and paid tribute to her late friend Manuja Samarasinha, highlighting their influence in her advocacy for women's empowerment through education. She expressed a blend of honor and sadness as she discussed the necessity of the bill due to ongoing incidents of re-victimization.

Dr Tracey McLeary from Labour and Kahurangi Carter of the Green Party both commended the bill, underscoring its significance in advancing victim protection. They highlighted its alignment with broader efforts to adopt a survivor-centered approach within New Zealand's justice system.

Grant McCallum of National praised Nakhle for her dedication to refining the bill despite operational challenges and emphasized that this legislation is part of a wider government initiative to prioritize victims in criminal justice policies. He noted complementary legislative measures like recent stalking laws that support victim protection.

Casey Costello from New Zealand First stressed the importance of punitive measures alongside protective provisions, highlighting the need for accountability within a system where power imbalances often leave victims vulnerable. She advocated for a robust approach to ensure offenders are held accountable while providing meaningful protections for those affected by crime.

Labour's Hon Dr Duncan Webb focused on ongoing commitments such as increased funding for victim support services and emphasized the importance of effective rehabilitation programs aimed at reducing reoffending rates. He pointed out that comprehensive approaches are crucial for ensuring long-term safety for victims beyond immediate legislative measures.

Cameron Brewer, also from National, called attention to the necessity of continuous monitoring and accountability mechanisms. He urged relevant committees to maintain oversight on Corrections' compliance with new obligations introduced by the bill.

The unanimous passage of the bill marks a significant milestone in New Zealand's efforts to create a more victim-centric justice system. Lawmakers celebrated this achievement while recognizing the collaborative work of the Justice Committee and various stakeholders who contributed to refining and strengthening the legislation.

With the bill set for implementation, it represents an important step forward in enhancing protections for victims across New Zealand. Legislators remain committed to monitoring its impact and ensuring that the legislative framework continues to evolve in response to the needs of those affected by crime.

The bill was drawn from the ballot on February 1st and underwent a comprehensive process before reaching this stage. The Justice Committee played a crucial role, receiving 12 submissions between April 6th and May 6th and working diligently to address operational challenges, such as managing communications for over 26,000 individuals under community supervision.