Retailers have expressed concerns over Paul Goldsmith announcement on Wednesday promising to grant broader powers to defend themselves against attack. The justice minister said the proposed changes are a part of intended reforms inspired by the government’s retail crime advisory group, led by Sunny Kaushal.
Business owners The Indian Weekender spoke to remained sceptical about the effectiveness of more self defence rights. "Changes in rules do not solve the problem of crime," said Gurdeep Singh, owner of Papatoetoe-based Pooja Jewellers, who suffered a fractured skull after three robbers attacked him with a hammer during a heist on June 23, 2024.
“The way criminals operate in New Zealand, intervening could be dangerous,” he added. Pankaj, owner of Halwai Sweets and Restaurant on Great South Road, welcomed the promised reforms but questioned their impact. “It is a good change, but it doesn’t address the root cause,” he said. “Even if I detain an offender, why should I put my overseas staff in danger? That’s the police’s job. I pay my taxes.”
Narendra Bhana, President of the New Zealand Indian Central Association Inc., acknowledged the government’s intent to enhance community safety but raised concerns about potential consequences. "Clear guidelines and training, oversight and accountability, risk of escalation, respecting human rights," Narendra drew attention to these points in an objection letter to Goldsmith soon after the announcement on Wednesday.
Rajesh Goel, President of the Auckland Indian Retailers Association, also voiced doubts about the practical implementation of the intended reforms. “Even if the public is allowed to detain offenders with reasonable restraints, who will we hand them over to? The police?” he questioned.
Labour leader and former police minister Ginny Anderson criticised the announcement, arguing it could be harmful to retailers and the public. "National isn’t listening to the advice of Police, who have consistently warned that letting Kiwis take the law into their own hands is unsafe, both for retailers and the public," she tweeted.
On Wednesday, Goldsmith said the government will empower retail store owners with more rights to self defence and clearly spell out what staff can and cannot do in case of an attack. The minister pointed out current laws are ambiguous and archaic, and that store owners must have the confidence that they can protect themselves and their property in case of an attack.
Goldsmith didn’t elaborate on what these rights would be, but indicated rules will be announced soon specifying what and how much action people can take in self defence, what time of day they can do it and how to go about it.
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