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Otago Daily Times
04-08-2025
- Otago Daily Times
Calls made for fast-tracking of ‘coward punch' laws
Whānau and friends of a man who died from an alleged coward punch are calling for the fast-tracking of a new law introducing tougher penalties for such crimes. Daniel Nganeko, 37, was allegedly punched by Daytona Thompson outside the Tukapa Rugby and Sports Club in New Plymouth on July 26. Thompson pleaded guilty to assault two days later but that was withdrawn after Nganeko died on Tuesday. An elevated charge of manslaughter has since been filed, to which Thompson has yet to plead. The maximum penalty for manslaughter is life imprisonment. In June, Justice Minister Paul Goldsmith announced a new law that will introduce an assault offence for one-punch attacks which cause grievous bodily harm. The maximum penalty when the offender intended to cause injury or acted with a disregard for safety would be eight years' imprisonment. If an offender was found to have intended to cause grievous bodily harm, the maximum penalty would be 15 years. The new law would also see a culpable homicide offence for such attacks which resulted in death, with a maximum penalty of life imprisonment. The new offences would be added to the Three Strikes Regime. A Givealittle page set up after Nganeko's death stated all funds raised would not only go to his whānau to help with funeral and memorial costs, but also towards advocacy and support to fast-track the introduction of the pending law. 'We want justice for Daniel, and for every injury and life lost to this horrible violence. We will make sure his story is heard, not just as a tragedy, but as a call to action,' the page, which has raised more than $25,000 in two days, stated. The page described Nganeko, a videographer and Tukapa Rugby supporter, as a cherished son, twin brother, grandson, nephew, cousin and friend who was known for his creativity, kindness and infectious smile. 'We are committed to ensuring Daniel's death is not in vain,' it said. Nganeko's twin brother, Cameron Nganeko, demanded change in a statement shared on the page. In questions to Goldsmith about whether the Government would consider the calls to fast-track the new law, NZME was advised he was unable to comment on individual cases. However, his office provided information on the incoming Coward Punch offence, which would be introduced as part of a Crimes Act Amendment Bill. It said it would be introduced before the end of the year, with the aim of being passed into law before the next election. Normal practice would be that only offending that happens after the 'take effect' day would be covered by the new law. There would not be a mandatory minimum period of imprisonment imposed for such attacks that resulted in death. Goldsmith said in his earlier announcement that a 'coward punch' got its name for obvious reasons. 'These attacks affect everyday Kiwis and are often committed by cowardly attackers, who strike when the victim is distracted. 'We know how dangerous they are. People can be killed or suffer lifelong brain injuries, yet perpetrators often receive lenient and insufficient sentences.' According to the summary of facts relating to the assault charge, Nganeko was hit once by Thompson 'without any obvious provocation'. He fell backwards and his head hit the edge of the footpath. Nganeko died after he was flown to Auckland City Hospital, where scans revealed he had suffered a fractured skull and extensive brain injuries with damage to his frontal and rear lobe. Thompson is expected to enter a plea to the manslaughter charge at a hearing in the High Court at New Plymouth on August 15. A service to celebrate Nganeko's life will be held at Francis Douglas Memorial College, where he attended school, this weekend. On Saturday, a moment of silence was held before the Ranfurly Shield rugby match between Taranaki and Northland.
NZ Herald
04-08-2025
- NZ Herald
Calls made for fast-tracking of ‘coward punch' laws following death of New Plymouth's Daniel Nganeko
In June, Justice Minister Paul Goldsmith announced a new law that will introduce an assault offence for one-punch attacks which cause grievous bodily harm. The maximum penalty when the offender intended to cause injury or acted with a disregard for safety would be eight years' imprisonment. If an offender was found to have intended to cause grievous bodily harm, the maximum penalty would be 15 years' imprisonment, while the new law would see a culpable homicide offence for such attacks which resulted in death with a maximum penalty of life imprisonment. Daytona Thompson appeared in New Plymouth District Court where a charge of manslaughter was filed following the death of Daniel Nganeko. The new offences would be added to the Three Strikes Regime. A Givealittle page set up following Nganeko's death stated that all funds raised would not only go to his whānau to help with funeral and memorial costs, but also towards advocacy and support to fast-track the introduction of the pending law. 'We want justice for Daniel, and for every injury and life lost to this horrible violence. We will make sure his story is heard, not just as a tragedy, but as a call to action,' the page, which has raised more than $25,000 in two days, stated. The page described Nganeko, a videographer and Tukapa Rugby supporter, as a cherished son, twin brother, grandson, nephew, cousin and friend who was known for his creativity, kindness and infectious smile. 'We are committed to ensuring Daniel's death is not in vain,' it said. Nganeko's twin brother, Cameron Nganeko, demanded change in a statement shared on the page. While Goldsmith was unable to comment on individual cases, his office provided information on the incoming Coward Punch offence, which would be introduced as part of a Crimes Act Amendment Bill. It said it would be introduced before the end of the year, with the aim of being passed into law before the next election. Normal practice would be that only offending that happens after the 'take effect' day would be covered by the new law. There would not be a mandatory minimum period of imprisonment imposed for such attacks that resulted in death. Goldsmith said in his announcement that a 'coward punch' got its name for obvious reasons. 'These attacks affect everyday Kiwis and are often committed by cowardly attackers, who strike when the victim is distracted. 'We know how dangerous they are. People can be killed or suffer lifelong brain injuries, yet perpetrators often receive lenient and insufficient sentences. According to the summary of facts relating to the assault charge, Nganeko was hit once by Thompson 'without any obvious provocation'. He then fell backwards on to the ground and his head hit the edge of the footpath. Nganeko died after he was flown to Auckland City Hospital, where scans revealed he had suffered a fractured skull and extensive brain injuries with damage to his frontal and rear lobe. Thompson is expected to enter a plea to the manslaughter at a hearing in the High Court at New Plymouth on August 15. A service to celebrate Nganeko's life will be held at Francis Douglas Memorial College, where he attended school, on Saturday. On Saturday evening, a moment of silence was held for him before the Ranfurly Shield rugby match between Taranaki and Northland.
Scoop
30-06-2025
- Politics
- Scoop
New Criminal Offences For Coward Punches
Minister of Justice The Government is introducing specific coward punch offences to ensure perpetrators receive tougher sentences, Justice Minister Paul Goldsmith says. 'A 'coward punch' gets its name for obvious reasons. These attacks affect everyday Kiwis and are often committed by cowardly attackers, who strike when the victim is distracted. 'We know how dangerous they are. People can be killed or suffer lifelong brain injuries, yet perpetrators often receive lenient and insufficient sentences. 'This fulfils a commitment in the National/New Zealand First coalition agreement, to introduce legislation to create an offence for anyone who injures or kills someone with a coward punch. 'Specific offences will ensure the consequence reflects the gravity of the crime. 'It builds on our plan to restore law and order, which we know is working, and will help reduce the number of victims of violent crime.' The charges and penalties are: An assault offence for one punch attacks which cause grievous bodily harm with associated maximum penalties of: Eight years imprisonment when the offender intended to cause injury or acted with reckless disregard for safety, Fifteen years imprisonment when the offender intended to cause grievous bodily harm. A culpable homicide offence for a one punch attack which results in death with a maximum penalty of life imprisonment. Both new offences will be added to the Three Strikes Regime.
