Kidnapping and abduction

If you are worried that someone has been taken against their will or is being held somewhere they cannot leave, contact police as soon as possible.
 
If you think someone is in immediate danger, call 111 and ask for police.  If it is not safe for you to speak, press 55. 

You do not need to know whether an offence is kidnapping or abduction before contacting police. Police can assess what has happened and what action to take next. 

People often use the terms kidnapping and abduction to mean the same thing. In New Zealand law, they are different offences. 

Kidnapping 

Kidnapping is when someone unlawfully takes or keeps another person somewhere without their consent, or gets consent by deception, threats or pressure and intends to: 

• hold them for ransom or service
• confine or imprison them
• send or take them out of New Zealand. 

Abduction 

There are two main abduction offences under New Zealand law. 

Abduction for marriage, civil union, or sexual connection 

This offence involves unlawfully taking away or detaining a person for the purpose of marriage, civil union, or sexual connection. 

Abduction of a young person under 16 

This offence applies when a young person under 16 is unlawfully taken away, enticed away, detained, or received with the intention of taking them away from the care of their parent, guardian, or lawful carer.

The law recognises that children and young people need special protection.  A child under 16 cannot legally consent to be taken away from the care of their parent, guardian or lawful carer. 

This means it does not matter whether: 

• the child suggested going
• the child agreed to go
• the offender believed the child was 16 or older. 

When a child or young person is involved, police will ensure their safety and wellbeing is given priority and work with other agencies to arrange support. 

Kidnapping and abduction can have significant emotional, physical, practical, cultural and financial effects. 

If you or someone you know has been affected by kidnapping or abduction, there are different types of information and support available. 

You may be able to get help from:

• NZ Police(external link)
• Victim Support(external link)
• the Victims Information Line on 0800 650 654 
• other support services, depending on your circumstances. 

Victim Support provides support for people affected by crime and traumatic events, including victims, survivors, witnesses, family members, and whānau. 

You may be able to access support through local community organisations. Kaupapa Māori support may be available through iwi providers, Whānau Ora providers, and Māori social service organisations in your area. 

You do not need to wait until court proceedings start to get support.    

If you have experienced kidnapping or abduction, or someone close to you has, you may be feeling frightened, overwhelmed, angry, confused, or uncertain about what happens next. These reactions are normal. 

People respond to traumatic events in different ways, and there is no right or wrong way to feel. Support is available, and you do not have to go through this alone. 

Find more information about Supporting organisations. 

If you have been affected by crime, or are supporting someone who has, you have rights under the Victims' Rights Act and the Victims Code.

These include rights relating to: 

• information about the justice process
• access to services and support
• being treated with courtesy, compassion, and respect
• making a complaint if your rights are not met. 

You can find more information about your rights and the support available to victims when Going through the court process. 

Police investigate kidnapping and abduction offences. They will consider what action to take next.

Their focus is on: 

• keeping people safe
• investigating the offence
• preventing further harm. 

If someone is arrested and charged, the case may go through the criminal court process. 

Every case is different. Some investigations can be resolved quickly while other may take time. 

People can be affected by kidnapping or abduction in different ways. Some people may need support immediately, while others may seek support weeks, months, or years later. 

If you or someone you know needs support, information, or practical assistance, you can contact Victim Support, the Victims Information Line, a health professional, or another support service. 

You do not need to manage this situation alone. 

• Contact police if you believe a kidnapping or abduction has happened.
• Let police know about any safety concerns.
• Ask about information and assistance available to victims.
• Contact Victim Support(external link) if you would like emotional or practical support.
• Contact the Victims Information Line on 0800 650 654 for information about victim services and the justice process.