Radio New Zealand - Te Reo Irirangi o Aotearoa

11 February 2012 - 10:17 pm NZ time

RNZ Home » News » National » Govt considers longer sentence for knife possession

Govt considers longer sentence for knife possession

Updated at 10:37 pm on 12 March 2010

The Government is considering tougher penalties for knife possession.

Justice Minister Simon Power called for a review after concerns were raised by a High Court judge that current laws aren't strong enough.

At present, carrying a knife in public without reasonable excuse carries a maximum sentence of two years in prison.

A Ministry of Justice review recommends increasing that to a three-year sentence.

Mr Power says he favours the tougher penalty which would bring knife possession in line with the law on possession of burglary tools.

A recommendation in the report that selling knives to young people is prohibited will also be considered.

A South Auckland youth worker says prohibiting the sale of knives to young people will send a strong message to them.

The manager for the 274 Otara youth project, Alan Va'a, says anything to ensure the safety of New Zealand's streets and families is a positive thing.