The Sensible Sentencing Trust has today released the results of new polling which shows strong public support for tougher sentences for Coward Punches causing death.

National Spokesperson, Louise Parsons today said: “Polling conducted by Curia Market Research shows 56% support of the public for sentences being increased to be similar to those imposed in Victoria or New South Wales for these tragic cases of violence causing death.”

“Support is strong regardless of political party support. In fact, it is Labour Pary voters who showed the strongest support – at 66%, followed by ACT and New Zealand First supporters at 64% and 59% respectively.

“National Party voters support is also strong at 55% net, just one point above Green Party supporters at 54%.

“Even Te Pati Maori support is net positive at 24%, continued Ms Parsons.

It is clear this is an issue a strong majority of New Zealanders can see is deserving of serious reform – rather than the insulting label change the Government is trying to sneak through Parliament at the moment.

“Sentencing for these types of offences in New Zealand is far lower than similar jurisdictions – such as Victoria and New South Wales in Australia. In both these states, sentences of 9 to 10 and a half years for such killings are common – with minimum non parole periods of 6 to 10 years.

“In New Zealand, home detention is all too common for these killings. Even in the worst cases, sentences rarely exceed 3 years imprisonment.

For instance, the Coward Punch killing of Fau Vake in 2021 resulted in an appalling sentence of just 2 years and 9 months imprisonment. The offender came up for parole in a matter of a few months.

“We respectfully suggest the Government should see the opportunity to improve their connection with voters and their own polling by heeding the call of a large proportion of the New Zealand public on this issue.” concluded Ms Parsons.

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