The Government is proposing a new “Coward Punch” offence — but without a minimum sentence, nothing will change.
Submissions close midnight Monday 16 February 2026.
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Based on all NZ coward punch manslaughter cases since 2011; excludes Home Detention.
The Government has proposed a new offence for Coward Punches causing death by introducing a new offence into the Crimes Act called “Manslaughter by strike to head or neck”.
It comes with the same headline maximum imprisonment term for the existing manslaughter offence, of ‘Life’ — which has never been imposed since the Sentencing Act 2002 was passed — and there is no minimum sentence requiring judges to impose longer sentences.
This is nothing more than window dressing.
This proposal is contained in an omnibus Bill called the Crimes Amendment Bill. Click here to see the Bill.
The proposal has been referred to the Justice Select Committee who have called for public submissions. Submissions close at midnight on Monday 16 February 2026. Click here to make a submission.
The proposal is an empty gesture. It is a label change only. It will not measurably increase sentences for Coward Punches causing death.
A Coward Punch is a strike delivered to a victim's head or neck, without warning and when the victim is unable to defend themselves.
There have been 15 manslaughter cases since 2011 that would meet the definition of a Coward Punch.
All such cases are a conviction for manslaughter, as murder (intent to kill) is very difficult to prove (or not present) in these cases.
Sensible Sentencing Trust is calling for an 8-year minimum non-parole prison sentence for these cowardly killings of innocent victims.
Unless Parliament imposes a minimum non-parole sentence (like there is for murder — 10 years), legal precedent means judges will not increase sentences — even if some want to.
Judges are often criticised for weak sentences, including by us, but regarding Coward Punches, soft sentencing is not the fault of the judiciary — it is Parliament.
Subject: Submission on Crimes Amendment Bill — Coward Punch killings
I am making a submission on the Crimes Amendment Bill.
I support stronger consequences for Coward Punch killings, but I am concerned the proposed offence is only a label change and will not increase sentencing outcomes.
If Parliament wants this law to deter Coward Punch killings and deliver justice for victims, it must include a meaningful minimum non-parole sentence.
I urge the Justice Select Committee to amend the Bill to include an 8-year minimum non-parole prison sentence for manslaughter by strike to the head or neck.
Thank you for considering my submission.
Name:
Town/City:
Make a submission now
You can email the people below and respectfully ask them to ensure the Coward Punch law includes a meaningful minimum sentence.
Subject: Coward Punch law must include real consequences
Dear Members of Parliament,
I’m writing to ask you to strengthen the Government’s proposed “Coward Punch” offence in the Crimes Amendment Bill.
A new offence without a minimum sentence will not change outcomes. Life imprisonment has never been imposed for manslaughter, and current Coward Punch manslaughter sentences average just a few years — with offenders eligible for release far too soon.
Please support an amendment to include an 8-year minimum non-parole sentence for Coward Punch killings (manslaughter by strike to head or neck), so this law is effective and not just window dressing.
Thank you,
[Your name]
[Your suburb/town]
We'll be updating our supporters via the Sensible Sentencing Trust website: www.sst.nz
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