Troy MatichPolitical Journalist - Newstalk ZB·Newstalk ZB·13 Jul, 2026 05:08 PM3 mins to read‌Justice officials estimate the policy won't result in more than 15-30 extra sex offenders behind bars over five to ten years after implementation. Stock photo / 123RFJustice officials estimate National’s promise to scrap good character sentencing discounts for sex crimes would put a maximum of 30 extra offenders behind bars over five years.

A good character discount is a reduction in an offender’s sentence to recognise their previous good character, such as a lack of prior