Protection Orders in NZ — Family Violence Act (2026)
About this article
Sourced from New Zealand Acts of Parliament (legislation.govt.nz), regulations, and official government guidance. Written in plain language for general understanding — this is educational content, not legal advice. Our editorial standards
What is this right?
The Family Violence Act 2018 lets you apply to the Family Court for a Protection Order against a family member, partner or ex-partner who has used violence — which includes physical, sexual, psychological and economic abuse. A Protection Order prohibits the respondent from using or threatening violence and, usually, from contacting you.
If you're in danger, you can apply "without notice" (without telling the other person first) and the court can make a temporary order the same day, which becomes final after a set period unless challenged. Police can also issue short-term Police Safety Orders on the spot. Breaching a Protection Order is a criminal offence that Police can arrest for.
When does it apply?
- You've experienced violence or abuse from a partner, ex-partner or family member.
- You fear for your safety and need legal protection.
- An existing order has been breached.
What to do to get a protection order
- Call 111 if you're in immediate danger.
- Apply to the Family Court for a Protection Order — without notice if urgent.
- Get help from a lawyer, Women's Refuge (0800 733 843) or Community Law.
- Report any breach to Police immediately — breaching is a crime.
What should you NOT do?
- Don't wait for violence to escalate — you can apply on psychological/economic abuse too.
- Don't invite contact that breaches the order — it can complicate enforcement.
- Don't assume you must pay — legal aid and free support are available.
About Family Law in New Zealand
New Zealand family matters run through the Family Court and a set of focused statutes. The Care of Children Act 2004 governs day-to-day care and contact (the modern term for "custody and access"); the Family Proceedings Act 1980 covers dissolution of marriage (divorce); the Property (Relationships) Act 1976 divides relationship property; the Family Violence Act 2018 provides protection orders; and the Child Support Act 1991 (administered by Inland Revenue) sets child support. For most parenting disputes you must try Family Dispute Resolution (FDR) mediation before going to court.
Family Court: 0800 268 787. Family violence emergency: 111; Women's Refuge: 0800 733 843.
Common Questions
What is the protection orders (family violence) right in New Zealand?
The Family Violence Act 2018 lets you apply to the Family Court for a Protection Order against a family member, partner or ex-partner who has used violence — which includes physical, sexual, psychological and economic abuse. A Protection Order prohibits the respondent from using or threatening violence and, usually, from contacting you.If you're in danger, you can apply "without notice" (without telling the other person first) and the court can make a temporary order the same day, which becomes final after a set period unless challenged. Police can also issue short-term Police Safety...
When does it apply — protection orders (family violence)?
You've experienced violence or abuse from a partner, ex-partner or family member.You fear for your safety and need legal protection.An existing order has been breached.
How do I get a protection order in New Zealand?
Call 111 if you're in immediate danger.Apply to the Family Court for a Protection Order — without notice if urgent.Get help from a lawyer, Women's Refuge (0800 733 843) or Community Law.Report any breach to Police immediately — breaching is a crime.
What should you NOT do — protection orders (family violence)?
Don't wait for violence to escalate — you can apply on psychological/economic abuse too.Don't invite contact that breaches the order — it can complicate enforcement.Don't assume you must pay — legal aid and free support are available.