New Zealand’s political debate over justice and victim rights has taken a sharp turn with the National Party’s proposal to eliminate the consideration of good character when sentencing sexual offenders. The policy, announced as a centerpiece of the party’s election platform, promises tougher sentences for those convicted of sexual violence—a move that has sparked both celebration among survivors and skepticism from legal experts.
The plan, led by Justice Minister and National Party spokesperson Paul Goldsmith, would prevent judges from reducing sentences for sexual offenders based on claims of good character. Prime Minister Christopher Luxon framed the proposal as a matter of fairness: “It’s just not fair to the victim to sit there in a courtroom and see their offender get a lighter sentence because of the words of a former coach or a boss. That’s not right.”
Luxon went further, stating unequivocally, “No sex offender is a person of good character, period.” His remarks reflect a broader sentiment among victims’ advocates, who argue that the current system forces survivors to endure irrelevant testimony about an offender’s positive qualities during sentencing—a process that can retraumatize them.
However, not everyone agrees that this is a genuine issue. Defence Lawyers’ Association co-founder Elizabeth Hall argues that judges already exercise discretion in sentencing and that good character assessments are rarely applied in sexual offending cases. “It’s really pretending that there’s a problem and then offering what looks like might be a solution, that actually isn’t,” she said.
The Human Impact: Relief for Survivors
For many survivors of sexual violence, the proposal has been met with overwhelming relief. Ruth Money, New Zealand’s chief victims’ advisor, reported receiving messages from survivors “overwhelmed with joy” after the announcement. She described the current system as “offensive,” noting that victims are often subjected to testimony about their perpetrator’s good character—a detail she called “completely irrelevant” to the crime committed.
Money emphasized the distinction between sexual violence and other crimes, stating, “You could accidentally drive and kill someone, but you can’t accidentally sexually violate someone.” She advised that good character discounts should not apply to sexual offending but could remain relevant for other offenses.
Sam Troth, founder of Road to Healing Aotearoa, an advocacy group for survivors of sexual harm, echoed Money’s sentiment. He cited an example where a proposed 14-year sentence was reduced by 20 percent due to good character, saying, “They aren’t good characters if this is what they’re doing.” Troth urged that the change should not wait for an election but be implemented immediately.
Legal and Political Perspectives
While the proposal has garnered strong support from victims’ advocates, legal professionals remain divided. Hall pointed out that judges already consider a wide range of factors in sentencing and that the application of good character discounts in sexual offending cases is uncommon. She argued that the policy risks politicizing the justice system, particularly during an election year.
Labour’s Camilla Belich acknowledged the calls for change but cautioned that harsher sentences alone are not enough. She highlighted the need for prevention programs and support for survivors, noting that most sexual assaults go unreported. “The real challenge is protecting victims by preventing sexual violence happening in the first place,” she said.
What’s Next?
The National Party has indicated that it will begin with sexual offending but is open to extending the policy to other crimes in the future. The proposal has already sparked a national conversation about justice, victim rights, and the role of good character in sentencing.
As the debate continues, one thing is clear: the issue of how to balance justice for victims with the principles of fair sentencing remains a contentious and deeply personal topic for New Zealanders.
For those affected by sexual violence, resources and support are available through organizations such as Road to Healing Aotearoa and Victim Advocacy.
What do you think about this proposed change? Share your thoughts in the comments below.
