6 August 2026
The peak body representing New Zealand’s retail sector says retailers are on edge after the passing of the citizen’s arrest provisions in the Crimes Amendment Bill today.
Retail NZ advocated strongly against the expansion of citizen’s arrest laws, which will allow any person to restrain someone they believe has committed any offence against the Crimes Act, no matter the scale of the offence, nor the age of the person.
“Retailers are deeply concerned about this new legislation, which will put their staff and customers at greater risk of harm,” Retail NZ Chief Executive, Carolyn Young, says.
“Retail NZ, along with the Police Association and Business NZ, were unequivocal when we submitted to Parliament that allowing citizen’s arrest dramatically increases the likelihood of serious injury, and even death. Having untrained people attempting to arrest and restrain others, risks escalating already heightened situations and may encourage offenders to proactively arm-up further with weapons,” Ms Young says.
Ms Young says while Retail NZ members say they will prohibit their staff from undertaking citizen’s arrests on their premises, members of the public may still take matters into their own hands.
“Retailers do not have the skills nor facilities to deal with people who have been subject to a citizen’s arrest. There has also been no guidance issued to help retailers prepare for the law change, which has increased anxieties in the sector even further, especially because police are already so stretched they cannot respond to countless instances of retail crime as it is.”
“We have been asking for guidance since the Bill passed its second reading, and while Minister Goldsmith has said Police are working on it, it’s deeply disappointing this guidance has not been made available with enough time for retailers to prepare their businesses for what could be a significant change to the retail landscape,” Ms Young says.
Retail NZ is supporting its members as best it can to prepare for the law change, but Ms Young says official direction is needed.
For further information or to set up an interview please contact Carolyn Young on 021 449 452
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