Repeat offenders face stricter consequences under new legislation passed in Parliament.
The Sentencing (Reinstating Three Strikes) Amendment Bill has cleared its third reading, marking a significant shift in New Zealand's justice system. The bill aims to deter repeat serious violent or sexual offending by introducing tougher penalties for those who re-offend. According to Associate Justice Minister Nicole McKee, the reinstated Three Strikes regime will help keep citizens safer while sending a strong message to offenders.
Under the new law, offenders will be warned at their first strike and ineligible for parole at the second strike. A third strike will result in serving the maximum penalty without parole. The bill expands on previous qualifying offences, including strangulation and suffocation, with longer non-parole periods for murder convictions. Courts will also have discretion to avoid unjust outcomes.
The government claims this legislation aligns with its efforts to restore law and order and improve public safety. A six-month implementation period follows the Bill's Royal Assent, allowing time for operational changes to be made before the Three Strikes regime commences.