Justice Minister Paul Goldsmith. Photo: RNZ / Mark Papalii
Protesting outside someone's home is set to be made an offence, with the government introducing new legislation carrying fines or jail sentences if people target private residences.
While it will apply to all residences, the justice minister said there had been increased reports of demonstrations targeting the homes of public figures like MPs, judges and other public officials.
Paul Goldsmith said the right to protest was valued, and would remain that way.
"The public's ability to demonstrate is a cornerstone of our free and democratic society. It is a key way for citizens to express themselves and engage in political activity."
However, he said the right to privacy was also valued.
"Everyone in New Zealand, and their families, should be able to expect peace and privacy in their own home, no matter what their daytime job is," he said. "Unreasonable intrusions into people's privacy are simply unacceptable."
The law will only apply to demonstrations directed at a person in their home, and will consider factors like the time of day, duration, the demonstrators' actions, noise levels and distance to the premises.
It will carry a maximum penalty of three months in jail or a fine up to $2000.
The ability to protest is protected under the Bill of Rights Act, and would not change. But Goldsmith said all rights were subject to reasonable limitations, and this change was considered reasonable.
Earlier this year, The Post reported Goldsmith was in discussions with Parliament's Speaker on legislative changes to protect MPs' safety.
Parliamentary Service and Parliament's internal security services have been working with the Department of Prime Minister and Cabinet since the end of last year on the issue.
Labour leader Chris Hipkins Photo: RNZ / Marika Khabazi
Labour leader Chris Hipkins said the party was still discussing whether the changes struck the right balance.
He was supportive of the right to free speech, but that nobody wanted to see protests outside the homes of MPs and religious leaders.
"We share the concern of the government that protest, where it's become very, very personalised, targeting individuals and their families, is damaging."
Hipkins said he had not been targeted at his own home, but had been in other private spaces.
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