You can commit an offence if you strike or ill-treat someone with a lower rank. This applies to anyone subject to the Armed Forces Discipline Act 1971. You could face imprisonment for up to 2 years if you do this.

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View the original legislation for this page at https://legislation.govt.nz/act/public/1986/0120/latest/link.aspx?id=DLM402717.

This page was last updated on 1 January 2026 — View changes

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40: Failure to comply with directions given by the captain of a ship or aircraft, or

"Not following the captain's orders on a ship or aircraft"

42: Cruel or disgraceful conduct, or

"Being cruel to people or animals is against the law"

Part 2Offences
Offences involving guard duty, violence, and insubordination

41Ill-treatment of person of lower rank

Every person subject to this Act commits an offence, and is liable to imprisonment for a term not exceeding 2 years, who—
strikes; or
otherwise than by striking, ill-treats—

Armed Forces Discipline Act 1971

Offences - Offences involving guard duty, violence, and insubordination

41: Ill-treatment of person of lower rank

"Being mean or violent to someone with a lower rank is against the law"

Part 2OffencesOffences involving guard duty, violence, and insubordination

41Ill-treatment of person of lower rank

Part 2Offences
Offences involving guard duty, violence, and insubordination