A STOP DEMAND CAMPAIGN
SCRAP IT
Good character should never reduce a sentence for sexual offending.
A person’s reputation, status or community connections should not lessen the consequences of the sexual harm they have caused.
MOMENTUM IS BUILDING FOR REFORM
Cross-party support builds for Scrap It reform
Stop Demand has now published political parties’ responses to the call to remove “good character” sentence reductions for convicted child sex offenders. Parties across the political spectrum have expressed support in principle for the reform. READ THE FULL UPDATE →
On 17 May 2026, the Government announced its intention to prevent good-character considerations from reducing sentences for sexual offending. This is an important commitment. Scrap It will continue advocating until effective reform is enacted and implemented.
Last updated: 17 September 2026
WHY SCRAP IT?
What does “good character” mean?
After a person has been convicted, information about their reputation, career, achievements or standing in the community can be presented during sentencing. Scrap It challenges the idea that these positive aspects of an offender’s life should lessen accountability for sexual offending.
A respected public reputation does not make sexual harm less serious.
It centres the offender
Sentencing can become focused on the offender’s achievements, career and reputation rather than the harm caused by their offending.
It can reward privilege
People with professional status, influential networks or strong community connections may have greater access to people willing to provide favourable evidence on their behalf.
Respectability does not equal safety
Sexual offending can be committed by people who are highly regarded by colleagues, friends and their communities. A positive reputation does not lessen the offending.
WHAT NEEDS TO CHANGE
Scrap It is calling for New Zealand law to prevent an offender’s good character, reputation, professional status or community standing from being used to reduce a sentence for sexual offending.
Sentencing should reflect the seriousness of the offending and the harm caused — not how respectable the offender appeared to others.
Contact decision-makers
Tell MPs that you support clear reform preventing good-character considerations from reducing sentences for sexual offending.
TAKE ACTION
Share Scrap It
Help more people understand why reputation should never outweigh accountability.
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THE EVIDENCE
Scrap It is grounded in sentencing practice, legal analysis and real cases in which an offender’s reputation or standing has formed part of the sentencing narrative.
01
SENTENCING & GOOD CHARACTER
How a person’s reputation, professional standing and community support can be presented to the court during sentencing.
02
REAL CASES
Examples of how good-character evidence has been considered in sentencing for sexual offences.
R v B & Ors [2026] NZHC 1303
Read the judgment summary
Jago v R [2025] NZCA 507
Read the judgment summary
R v Tuai [2026] NZHC 204
Read the judgment summary
03
RESEARCH & SOURCES
Legislation, court judgments, official material and research relevant to the Scrap It campaign.