Stalking was Legal under Labour and National made it illegal

Before this law, stalking wasn't an explicit standalone offence but was covered by a patchwork of other laws; civil harassment, trespass, assault and intimidation. There are a few gaps that the new law closes.

The concept originated in a member's-bill ballot put forward by Labour's Ginny Andersen, which National declined to support, instead introducing an almost identical Government bill (via Justice Minister Paul Goldsmith, November 2024) that became the Crimes Legislation (Stalking and Harassment) Amendment Act, making stalking punishable by up to five years' imprisonment.

During the Select Committee process, Green MP Tamatha Paul secured a substantial amendment requiring police to consult victims before notifying perpetrators.

The bill ultimately passed with near-universal parliamentary support.