Five Million Voices

Should it be a criminal offence to engage in a targeted, unreasonably disruptive demonstration near someone's home?

The bill amends the Summary Offences Act 1981 to create a new offence of engaging in a targeted and disruptive demonstration near a residential premises. It applies where a demonstration is directed at a person regularly occupying the property and the demonstrator knows or ought to know it is causing unreasonable disruption.

MPs’ arguments for and against the bill

Why support it
  • Supporters argued the bill fills a gap because police cannot clearly act against demonstrations outside homes that cause significant disruption or distress, even when severe.
  • Supporters said it protects the privacy and quiet enjoyment of the home for all New Zealanders, not just MPs, who have reported feeling intimidated and unsafe at their residences.
  • Supporters argued the offence is tightly drawn — limited to demonstrations directed at a resident and causing unreasonable disruption, with listed factors like time and noise — and aligns penalties with comparable summary offences.
Why oppose it
  • Opponents said disruption is the very nature of protest and that criminalising 'unreasonably disruptive' demonstrations chips away at free speech and peaceful assembly rights.
  • Opponents argued existing laws, including the police's current powers and the stalking and harassment bill, already address genuinely harassing or threatening conduct, making a new offence unnecessary.
  • Opponents said the penalty of up to three months' imprisonment or a $2,000 fine is disproportionate and that the official analysis described such protest as a minor issue with little supporting data.

These are claims MPs made in Parliament’s debate — not verified facts.

Full bill summary & link to official bill page

A Government bill creating a new criminal offence of taking part in a 'targeted and disruptive' demonstration near someone's home. It applies when a protest is aimed at a person who regularly lives at the property and the demonstrator knows, or ought to know, it is causing unreasonable disruption. Courts would weigh factors such as the time of day, how long it lasts, noise levels and how close protesters are to the house.

Justice Minister Paul Goldsmith introduced it after reports of protests targeting the homes of MPs, judges and officials. Penalties would be up to three months' imprisonment or a fine of up to $2,000. Supporters say it protects people's privacy and safety in their own homes; critics, including civil-liberties groups, say it risks chilling the legitimate right to protest.

See the Parliament.nz ↗ site for the full bill.

Oppose (No) Support (Yes)

Summary Offences (Demonstrations Near Residential Premises) Amendment Bill · First Reading, 21 Aug 2025
Parliament voted 68–54 — it passed.