Story perspectives

Parliament approves 15-year coward-punch offence, NZ First vows amendments

7/3/2026

Summary

Story summary

Parliament approved an offence for coward punches and assaults on first responders or corrections officers, setting a maximum of 15 years in prison and seven years for intentional injury.
Select committee members warned the coward-punch offence may be harder to prove than manslaughter and suggested removing the manslaughter provision.
Winston Peters said NZ First will table amendments and campaign for tougher penalties in the election if the changes are not adopted.

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Story summary

Parliament approved an offence for coward punches and assaults on first responders or corrections officers, setting a maximum of 15 years in prison and seven years for intentional injury.
Select committee members warned the coward-punch offence may be harder to prove than manslaughter and suggested removing the manslaughter provision.
Winston Peters said NZ First will table amendments and campaign for tougher penalties in the election if the changes are not adopted.