Sentencing, gangs and rehabilitation are recurring flashpoints.
Three-strikes sentencing was repealed in 2022 and later reintroduced in a modified form. The debate is about deterrence versus prison costs and judicial discretion.
ACT championed reinstating Three Strikes and now proposes a minimum sentence without parole for third-time burglars. Source
The Greens' 2026 manifesto would abolish Three Strikes and mandatory minimum sentences to restore judicial discretion. Source
Labour repealed Three Strikes in 2022 and voted against its reinstatement in 2024; no 2026 pledge on repealing it again was found. Source
National passed legislation reinstating Three Strikes in 2024 and says it has toughened sentencing laws. Source
NZ First voted to reinstate Three Strikes and proposes mandatory minimum sentences and cumulative sentencing. Source
Te Pāti Māori voted against reinstating Three Strikes and is campaigning to abolish prisons by 2040. Source
Opportunity's Smart on Crime policy calls tough-on-crime approaches a political slogan and favours evidence-based measures to cut reoffending. Source
Laws passed in 2024 made displaying gang insignia in public an offence. Supporters say it reduces intimidation; critics question whether it reduces crime.
ACT voted for the Gangs Act 2024, which banned gang patches in public places. Source
The Greens voted against the patch ban, arguing it would not address causes of gang membership; no repeal pledge was found. Source
Labour opposed the 2024 bill but has since adopted a policy of keeping the patch ban, which Chris Hipkins confirmed during the 2026 campaign. Source
National introduced and passed the Gangs Act 2024 banning gang patches in public places. Source
NZ First voted for the patch ban and goes further, proposing to ban gangs and designate them as terrorist entities. Source
Te Pāti Māori voted against the gang laws as discriminatory and says it would repeal many of the government's recent punitive justice laws. Source
UnconfirmedNo public Opportunity position on the gang patch ban was found. Source
The prison population is rising again. Rehabilitation and reintegration programmes are cheaper per person but results vary.
ACT has campaigned for more prison beds and a higher sentenced prison population, while wanting prisons to be more rehabilitative. Source
The Greens want prison as a last resort, criticise packing prisons, and would fund evidence-based rehabilitation for everyone convicted. Source
Labour says prisons remain necessary and has rejected prison abolition, while favouring evidence-based policy; its detailed corrections policy was not found. Source
National's government funded an 810-bed Waikeria expansion alongside some extra rehabilitation programmes, and scrapped the prison reduction target. Source
NZ First prioritises victims over offenders, proposes gang-only prisons and tougher sentencing, though it also backs early youth interventions. Source
Te Pāti Māori proposes abolishing prisons by 2040 and redirecting justice spending to a Māori-led justice authority and rehabilitation. Source
Opportunity's justice policy focuses on rehabilitation, reintegration and reducing reoffending, including training and post-release support. Source