Proposed anti-stalking laws are being strengthened - following recommendations from Parliament's Justice Select Committee. 

Originally the proposed offence, with a maximum penalty of five years in prison, captured three specified acts within a one year period. 

It'll now be triggered after two acts within two years, which Justice Minister Paul Goldsmith says better recognises patterns of behaviour and the time that can pass between incidents.

He explained they took feedback on board - and agreed to make some changes.

"What we've seen is plenty of evidence that, in certain circumstances, these sorts of stalking behaviours can lead to more serious outcomes - and we're all aware of terrible examples of that."

LISTEN ABOVE

Proposed anti-stalking laws are being strengthened - following recommendations from Parliament's Justice Select Committee.&nbsp;
Originally the proposed offence, with a maximum penalty of five years in prison, captured three specified acts within a one year period.&nbsp;
It'll now be triggered after two acts within two years, which Justice Minister Paul Goldsmith says better recognises patterns of behaviour and the time that can pass between incidents.
He explained they took feedback on board - and agreed to make some changes.
"What we've seen is plenty of evidence that, in certain circumstances, these sorts of stalking behaviours can lead to more serious outcomes - and we're all aware of terrible examples of that."
LISTEN ABOVE

With a straight down the middle approach, Heather du Plessis-Allan Drive on Newstalk ZB delivers the very latest news and views to New Zealanders as they wrap up their day.

Heather du Plessis-Allan Drive

Paul Goldsmith: Justice Minister on the Government's bid to strengthen anti-stalking laws

https://api.omny.fm/orgs/7784f840-c291-422a-924b-ad9000bbad71/clips/31fff64c-9107-4f62-bcb4-b2f800509d74/transcript