Plain language law

New Zealand law explained for everyone

Crimes Act 1961

Crimes against public order - Treason and other crimes against the Sovereign and the State

73: Treason

You could also call this:

“This law explains what counts as being very disloyal to New Zealand and its ruler.”

If you are loyal to New Zealand’s leader, you might commit treason if you do certain things. These things can happen inside or outside of New Zealand. You commit treason if you hurt or kill the leader, or if you keep them locked up. You also commit treason if you fight against New Zealand or help its enemies during a war. This includes helping any forces that New Zealand is fighting, even if there isn’t an official war. You commit treason if you encourage or help someone to invade New Zealand with force. Using force to try to remove the New Zealand government is also treason. Finally, if you make plans with anyone to do any of these things, that’s treason too.

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View the original legislation for this page at https://legislation.govt.nz/act/public/1986/0120/latest/link.aspx?id=DLM328520.

Topics:
Crime and justice > Criminal law
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74: Punishment for treason or attempted treason, or

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Part 5 Crimes against public order
Treason and other crimes against the Sovereign and the State

73Treason

  1. Every one owing allegiance to the Sovereign in right of New Zealand commits treason who, within or outside New Zealand,—

  2. kills or wounds or does grievous bodily harm to the Sovereign, or imprisons or restrains her or him; or
    1. levies war against New Zealand; or
      1. assists an enemy at war with New Zealand, or any armed forces against which New Zealand forces are engaged in hostilities, whether or not a state of war exists between New Zealand and any other country; or
        1. incites or assists any person with force to invade New Zealand; or
          1. uses force for the purpose of overthrowing the Government of New Zealand; or
            1. conspires with any person to do anything mentioned in this section.

              Compare
              • 1908 No 32 s 94
              • Criminal Code (1954) s 46 (Canada)