KEY POINTS:
National is promising to give police the power to issue temporary, on-the-spot domestic violence protection orders in a bid to improve New Zealand's poor record on abuse in the home.
Party leader John Key's pledge drew an immediate response from Police Minister Annette King, who said areas such as protection orders were continually being re-evaluated and analysed.
Domestic violence victims must now apply to the courts for protection from abusive partners.
Under the Key plan, the temporary orders would give police "an immediate response to dangerous domestic situations and ensure potential victims are protected until courts are able to fully deal with the matter".
Civil liberties representatives and the Women's Refuge last night welcomed the idea.
Mr Key said police were often called to domestic incidents where it was "blindingly clear" that a mother or her children were in danger from an abusive and violent partner.
"In these situations, police are often unable to act on their instinct to urgently protect these victims.
"Instead, victims, often battered women, are expected to apply to the courts for a protection order."
Mr Key said it wasn't surprising many victims did not apply for an order, either because of the time it took or from fear of repercussions.
Some Australian states have given police the power to issue protection 24-hour and 72-hour protection orders.
One of New Zealand's top policemen last year urged the adoption of the same procedures after the murder of Sheryl Pareanga, a 33-year-old mother of six, who was stabbed to death in 2004 by a man against whom she had obtained an order.
She told police about his breaching an order three days before she was killed, but the man got to her, stabbing her 28 times and cutting her throat.
In 2005, 4236 people were charged with breaching protection orders.
Officials are understood to be reviewing policy on protection orders, and Ms King is likely to examine their work when she takes over as Justice Minister after this week's Cabinet reshuffle.
Woman's Refuge chief executive Heather Henare said the organisation was initially against enforced protection orders as it took control away from women.
But it had changed that view after studying the Australia experience.
"It meant that the men were removed from the home, rather than the women," Ms Henare said.
"It was useful in situations where drink was a contributing factor - it gave him time to dry out and settle down and she didn't have to pick up the kids and leave."
Auckland Civil Liberties chairman Barry Wilson also supports the idea, provided the orders last no longer than 72 hours and provisions are made to ensure the man has somewhere to go after being banned from his home.
Police Association President Greg O'Connor said police were in favour of temporary protection orders, as it started a process that would ultimately make women safer.
Mr Key also yesterday renewed National's 2005 election campaign call for police to be able to take DNA samples from all people arrested for offences punishable by imprisonment.
Samples can now be taken only with a suspect's consent, or where someone is suspected of an offence punishable by more than seven years in jail.
