The New Zealand government has amended citizen’s arrest laws. Citizens can now intervene to stop any Crimes Act offence at any time of the day.

In official advice, police say, “In most situations, the safest action is to keep yourself and others safe, observe the crime and call 111. Your primary responsibility is to maintain the safety of everyone involved.”

The law change has been strongly opposed by Retail NZ.

Carolyn Young, chief executive of Retail NZ, said in a statement, “Allowing citizen’s arrest dramatically increases the likelihood of serious injury, and even death.”

Directed, filmed and edited by Faith Cruz.
Written and presented by Robbie Nicol.
Special thanks to Tyler Wilson Kōkiri and Hayden Donnell.
Made with the support of NZ On Air.