In 2007, the New Zealand Parliament repealed Section 59 of the Crimes Act 1961 that allowed parents the defence of  'correcting' or 'disciplining' their child, if a charge of assault (in relation to their child) was brought against them.  New Zealand is one of 24 countries that have banned smacking.

This month, a postal referendum asks the Citizens of New Zealand the following question: “Should a smack as part of good parental correction be a criminal offence in New Zealand?” Campaigners opposed to the referendum feel the wording is misleading and that the intention is to overturn the 2007 law, which, they say, is working well.

The result of the referendum will not be binding, but Prime Minister John Key said that regular police reviews showed that the ban on smacking was working and that if this changed, then the results of the referendum would be considered.

For more information see http://yesvote.org.nz/ or watch a documentary on Section 59 and the history of legislative change in New Zealand in the area of child smacking  http://vimeo.com/6018039.