When did it become illegal to hit your children in nz?

2007
Smacking – or using “reasonable force” to discipline a child – has been outlawed in New Zealand since 2007. The repeal of section 59 of the Crimes Act, championed by former Green MP Sue Bradford, caused a massive furore at the time with many claiming that it would criminalise ‘good parents’.

What is the anti smacking law?

It is illegal for a parent to smack or use force against their child to discipline them or to correct their behaviour. Repeatedly using force against a child for discipline or correction could amount to domestic violence. There are limited circumstances where a parent may use reasonable force against their child.

What is the Crimes Act 1961 NZ?

Crimes Act 1961 An Act relating to crimes and other offences. Includes punishments; defences; crimes against public order; crimes against the administration of law and justice; sex crimes; crimes against the person; crimes against privacy; property crimes; and conspiracies.

What is Section 59 of the Crimes Act NZ?

The Crimes (Substituted Section 59) Amendment Act 2007 (formerly the Crimes (Abolition of Force as a Justification for Child Discipline) Amendment Bill) is an amendment to New Zealand ‘s Crimes Act 1961 which removed the legal defence of “reasonable force” for parents prosecuted for assault on their children.

What is Section 59 of the Child Protection Act?

Prior to the amendment bill, Section 59 read as follows: (1) Every parent of a child and, subject to subsection (3), every person in the place of the parent of a child is justified in using force by way of correction towards the child, if the force used is reasonable in the circumstances.

When did act New Zealand Push an anti-smacking law petition?

^ “ACT Pushes Anti-Smacking Referendum” (Press release). ACT New Zealand. 4 February 2008. ^ a b “Anti-smacking law petition handed to Parliament”. 3 News. TV3. 24 April 2008.

When was the law introduced in New Zealand?

The law was introduced to the New Zealand Parliament as a private member’s bill by Green Party Member of Parliament Sue Bradford in 2005, after being drawn from the ballot. It attracted intense debate, both in Parliament and from the public.