NZ cracks down on cybercrime after $1.6bn losses

July 28, 2025

New Zealand is set to strengthen its stance against cybercrime with new legislation that brings the country into alignment with the Budapest Convention, the only binding international treaty focused on fighting cybercrime.

The Bill passed its third reading in Parliament, marking a pivotal moment in the nation’s response to online threats.

Justice Minister Paul Goldsmith highlighted the urgency of the move by referencing the scale of the problem: “11% of New Zealanders were victims of fraud and cybercrime in 2024, and the National Cyber Security Centre estimates $1.6bn was lost to online threats.” He added that the emotional and financial toll of such crimes requires an international, coordinated effort.

The legislation enables New Zealand to join the Council of Europe Convention on Cybercrime, a treaty that facilitates cross-border cooperation and harmonises legal frameworks among member countries. Goldsmith said, “By joining the convention, we are signalling to the other like-minded countries that we take cybercrime seriously and we are prepared to do our part to eliminate it.”

Key legislative changes introduced include new ‘preservation directions’ under the Search and Surveillance Act, which empower law enforcement agencies to require companies to retain data that could be crucial in criminal investigations. Additionally, amendments to the Mutual Assistance in Criminal Matters Act will improve New Zealand’s ability to request and provide international legal cooperation.

The Crimes Act has also been updated with minor changes to ensure cybercrime offences are fully aligned with the Convention, ensuring that local laws are robust and responsive to the ever-evolving threat landscape.

Goldsmith noted, “It will help our law enforcement agencies to protect New Zealanders, by providing the tools they need to detect, investigate, and prosecute criminal offending, even when it happens online.”

With cybercrime evolving rapidly and crossing borders with ease, New Zealand’s decision to adopt international best practices is a step towards greater global collaboration in digital security.