An Auckland man is the first to be charged under new stalking and harassment laws, which came into force yesterday.
The 39-year-old was due to appear in the Auckland District Court today on the new charges, police said today in a statement.
Acting director of prevention Inspector Natasha Allan today said the new police powers "support victims and intervene earlier to prevent behaviour from escalating".
"This should send a clear message to both victims and offenders police will be enforcing these laws.
“We now have stronger tools to hold offenders to account and we are, and will be, using them."
The Crimes Advocacy (Stalking and Harassment) Amendment Act introduced a standalone offence for stalking and harassment following years of advocacy from victim-survivors and campaigners.
Under the provisions of the law, police were allowed to issue a stalking and harassment notice at an early stage, warning an alleged offender their behaviour was unacceptable, and that continued conduct could lead to criminal charges.
If a person engaged in at least two specified acts within a two-year period, they could be charged directly with the new offence without a notice being issued first.
The offence carried a maximum penalty of up to five years’ imprisonment.
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