Plain language law

New Zealand law explained for everyone

Crimes Act 1961

Crimes against rights of property - Arson, damage, and waste

269: Intentional damage

You could also call this:

“Breaking or damaging things on purpose that don't belong to you can get you in big trouble with the law.”

If you destroy or damage property and you know or should know that it might put someone’s life in danger, you could go to prison for up to 10 years.

You could go to prison for up to 7 years if you destroy or damage property that doesn’t belong to you on purpose or without being careful. This applies if you don’t have a right to do it, and if you’re trying to get something for yourself or cause problems for someone else.

You could also go to prison for up to 7 years if you destroy or damage property on purpose without thinking about how it might harm other property nearby.

This text is automatically generated. It might be out of date or be missing some parts. Find out more about how we do this.

View the original legislation for this page at https://legislation.govt.nz/act/public/1986/0120/latest/link.aspx?id=DLM330702.

Topics:
Crime and justice > Criminal law
Previous

268: Attempted arson, or

“Trying to set fire to buildings, cars, ships, or planes is against the law and can get you in big trouble.”

Next

270: Endangering transport, or

“This law says it's a crime to mess with or damage things like cars, boats, or planes in a way that could hurt people or break stuff.”

Part 10 Crimes against rights of property
Arson, damage, and waste

269Intentional damage

  1. Every one is liable to imprisonment for a term not exceeding 10 years who intentionally or recklessly destroys or damages any property if he or she knows or ought to know that danger to life is likely to result.

  2. Every one is liable to imprisonment for a term not exceeding 7 years who—

  3. intentionally or recklessly, and without claim of right, destroys or damages any property in which that person has no interest; or
    1. intentionally or recklessly, and without claim of right, destroys or damages any property with intent to obtain any benefit, or with intent to cause loss to any other person.

      1. Every one is liable to imprisonment for a term not exceeding 7 years who intentionally destroys or damages any property with reckless disregard for the safety of any other property.

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      Notes
      • Section 269: replaced, on , by section 15 of the Crimes Amendment Act 2003 (2003 No 39).