A Bill is being introduced into parliament which will enable the establishment of New Zealand's first Child Sex Offender Register.
Social Development Minister Anne Tolley said the Bill is part of a programme of work, led by the Vulnerable Children's Board, that aims to keep young people safe from harm.
The Child Protection (Child Sex Offender Register) Bill will allow Police and Corrections to establish the register for convicted child sex offenders aged 18 or over at the time of committing their offence and who are:
• Convicted of a qualifying offence and sentenced to prison.
• Convicted of a qualifying offence and sentenced to a non-custodial sentence, and directed to be registered by the sentencing judge.
• Convicted of an equivalent offence and sentenced overseas, or have been on an overseas register, if they intend to reside in New Zealand
Mrs Tolley said the register will provide information to a dedicated unit of Police and Corrections staff, which will identify and manage the risk posed by convicted child sex offenders who have come to the end of their sentences, or are serving non-custodial sentences. Based on the scale of offending, offenders will stay on the register for a term of life, 15 years or eight years.
"At the moment, offenders can disappear back into communities when they finish a sentence or order."
"By gathering information authorities will be able to keep track of these offenders, while also being alert to any changes in their circumstances.