Homicide in new zealand

Homicide is a serious crime in New Zealand, and the country has a relatively low rate of homicide compared to other developed countries. According to the New Zealand Police, there were 124 reported homicides in 2020, which is a rate of 2.5 homicides per 100,000 people.

Here are some key statistics on homicide in New Zealand:

  1. Homicide rate: The homicide rate in New Zealand has been declining over the past few decades. In the 1990s, the rate was around 3.5 per 100,000 people, while in the 2010s it was around 2.5 per 100,000 people.
  2. Most common victims: The majority of homicide victims in New Zealand are men (around 70%), and the most common victims are people in their 20s and 30s.
  3. Most common perpetrators: The majority of homicide perpetrators in New Zealand are men (around 80%), and the most common perpetrators are people in their 20s and 30s.
  4. Circumstances: The most common circumstances surrounding homicides in New Zealand are domestic violence, arguments, and drug-related incidents.
  5. Investigation and prosecution: The New Zealand Police have a specialized homicide investigation team that works closely with other agencies, including the Crown Solicitor's Office, to investigate and prosecute homicide cases.
  6. Sentencing: The maximum penalty for murder in New Zealand is life imprisonment, and the average sentence for murder is around 17-20 years.
  7. Homicide rates by region: The homicide rate varies across different regions in New Zealand. The regions with the highest homicide rates are Auckland, Waikato, and the Bay of Plenty.

Some notable homicide cases in New Zealand include:

  1. The Bain family murders: In 1994, David Bain was convicted of murdering his family, including his parents and three siblings, in Dunedin. The case was highly publicized and sparked a debate about the fairness of the trial.
  2. The Crewe murders: In 2001, Mark Longhurst was convicted of murdering his parents and two siblings in Christchurch. The case was notable for the brutal nature of the killings and the fact that Longhurst was a former soldier.
  3. The Whanganui murders: In 2018, a family of four was found murdered in their home in Whanganui. The case is still under investigation, and no one has been charged.

Overall, while homicide is a serious crime in New Zealand, the country has a relatively low rate of homicide compared to other developed countries. The New Zealand Police and other agencies work hard to investigate and prosecute homicide cases, and the country has a robust justice system in place to deal with these crimes.