Story perspectives

Labour Pledges Corporate Homicide Law After November Election

By Drooid · Sep 18, 2026, 2:52 AM UTC · How we work

Summary

Story summary

Labour Party pledged to pass a corporate homicide law after the November election.
The law would amend the Crimes Act to create a corporate homicide offence for reckless or gross negligence.
Convicted individuals could face life imprisonment and companies could be fined up to $10 million.
Sandra Grey, NZ Council of Trade Unions president, said unions have long campaigned for the law.

History

Historical Context

In 2007 the UK Parliament passed the Corporate Manslaughter and Corporate Homicide Act, leading to Cotswold Water Park Ltd’s 2011 conviction and a £10,000 fine. After the 2011 Canterbury earthquake and Pike River Mine disaster, Labour MP Andrew Little introduced a 2015 bill to add corporate manslaughter to New Zealand’s Crimes Act. Labour, supported by NZCTU president Sandra Grey, now seeks a comparable amendment.

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Story summary

Labour Party pledged to pass a corporate homicide law after the November election.
The law would amend the Crimes Act to create a corporate homicide offence for reckless or gross negligence.
Convicted individuals could face life imprisonment and companies could be fined up to $10 million.
Sandra Grey, NZ Council of Trade Unions president, said unions have long campaigned for the law.

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