Hate crime
New Zealand Police does not tolerate offences based on a person's race, religion, nationality, gender, sexuality, disability, or other enduring characteristics of their identity. These offences are also known as hate crimes and the majority those reported to Police relate to race, religion, or ethnicity.
Where such crimes are reported to Police they are vigorously investigated. We take these events very seriously and endeavour to do all we can to help victims to be safe and feel safe.
We also recognise that when crimes of hate occur they impact not only on individual victims, but the victim’s whānau and wider community. Police works closely with representatives of ethnic communities and organisations like the Human Rights Commission to protect the rights and freedoms of all communities in New Zealand.
If you are aware of racially motivated abuse, violence, threats, or intimidation against members of your whānau, or community you should report it.
- Report it to Police by calling 105 or by using the 105 online form
- Make a complaint to Te Kāhui Tika Tangata Human Rights Commission
There are also a range of anti-racism tools and resources available on the Human Rights Commission website.
If you are threatened for money or property
- If a person threatens or intimidates you for money or property or forces you to behave in a particular way, then call Police on 111.
- If someone threatens or attempts to kidnap you, then call Police on 111.
- Police treats this type of crime very seriously and has a very good record of solving it.
Kidnapping and blackmail or extortion
Kidnapping, blackmail or attempts to kidnap or extort money are considered serious crimes in New Zealand. Kidnapping is the unlawful detention of a person without their consent. Blackmail is the use of threats to extort property (including money) or to compel a victim to behave in a particular way These are serious offences in New Zealand punishable by up to 14 years in prison. More than 70 percent of kidnappings or blackmail/extortion reported to Police in New Zealand result in offenders being prosecuted.
Immigration fraud
It is your choice to use an immigration agent or representative and you are responsible for any documents provided to the Immigration Service by your agent or representative. The supply of false visas, permits and other documentation is fraud and Police treat this matter seriously. If you think someone has deliberately given you false immigration information or advice and you have paid for their service, then you should report this to the Police and the New Zealand Immigration Service.
Financial fraud
To avoid being tricked or cheated out of your money, Police advises dealing with well-known and respected financial institutions when borrowing or investing money. Keep credit cards, cash machine cards and identity numbers in a safe place. Do not give your identification numbers (PINs) to anyone. Always ask for identification from someone who wants to pay you for goods or services by cheque. If you think a person or a financial company is trying to cheat you, contact the Police. Read more on Credit Card Fraud.
Related information:
- Scams假装绑架诈骗案 (in Chinese and English) (PDF 423KB)