📋 Coward-punch is an offence
← All policiesCreates specific offences for a strike to the head or neck causing grievous bodily harm, and a new offence of manslaughter by strike to the head or neck ("coward punch" offending), brought within the existing three-strikes regime. Part of the same Crimes Amendment Bill as "Citizen's arrest powers", tagged separately since they're different mechanisms.
56% support in the most recent vote
How each party has stood on this policy over time. On a 🔄 Aye = against vote, whoever voted Aye is shown as opposing the policy, not supporting it. 🙋 Conscience vote rows show which way most of that party's MPs voted, plus what % voted Aye in the House.
| Vote | National | Labour | Green | ACT | NZ First | Te Pāti Māori |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Crimes Amendment Bill
✓ Passed
6 Aug 2026
· Third reading
|
✓ Supports | ✕ Opposes | ✕ Opposes | ✓ Supports | ✓ Supports | ✕ Opposes |
|
Crimes Amendment Bill
✓ Passed
9 Dec 2025
· First reading
|
✓ Supports | ✓ Supports | ✕ Opposes | ✓ Supports | ✓ Supports | ✕ Opposes |