Labour MP Ginny Andersen has lodged a Member's Bill to make stalking a crime following the horrific murder of 21-year-old law student Farzana Yaqub.
Yaqubi was murdered in December 2022 by a man who was stalking her, eight weeks after she first reported the matter to the police.
The Independent Police Conduct Authority last month released a report finding she could have been saved if police had acted sooner.
Andersen's Crimes (Stalking) Amendment Bill would make stalking a separate offence in Part 1 of the Crimes Act 1961 and carry a term of up to five years in prison.
She said the Bill could include following, watching, monitoring, tracking or spying upon a person; contacting or attempting to contact, publishing material, monitoring, loitering, obstructing, interfering with property; or using a third party - individual or other entity to harass or intimidate a person.
"The murder of Farzana Yaqubi is a public case that could have been prevented but there are plenty of other cases that go unreported. This Bill will help ensure the safety and sanity of people in our community, and ensure police are treating stalking just like any other crime," Andersen said.
"This is about strengthening the rights of victims and ensuring our law is working to prevent people becoming the victim of repeated harassment, assault or violence."
Andersen said she has worked closely with experts in the sector to develop the Bill which has been introduced to the ballot.
It comes after an open letter was signed by over 80 groups and individuals in an open letter addressed to Justice Minister Paul Goldsmith, urging him to make stalking a crime to prevent fear, harm and murder.
Goldsmith told Newshub things like youth offending and gangs remain the Government's priority for now but "probably next year, but certainly this term" a stalking law would be addressed.
Newshub.
