Stalking Investigations
Stalking Investigations NZ
Being stalked is frightening, and as of 26 May 2026, a criminal offence under New Zealand law.
If someone's behaviour is making you feel unsafe, an independent stalking investigation can give you the documented evidence needed to go to the police, apply for a protection order, or take legal action.
Veritas Investigations provides confidential stalking investigations in NZ for individuals being followed, repeatedly harassed, or targeted online. Our team includes ex-Police investigators, licensed under the PSPLA, and backed by AWI membership.
If you're in immediate danger, call 111. For non-urgent support, call Police on 105.
Is Stalking Illegal in NZ?
Yes, and under the law, it has consequences.
The Crimes Legislation (Stalking and Harassment) Amendment Act 2025 came into force on 26 May 2026, creating a standalone criminal offence with a maximum penalty of five years' imprisonment.
This was a significant change. ) Previously, stalking had to be prosecuted under a patchwork of existing laws.
What Counts as a "Specified Act"?
Under the new law, a person can be charged if they engage in two or more specified acts within a two-year period, knowing their behaviour is likely to cause fear or distress. Specified acts include:
Following, watching, or loitering near someone
Tracking their movements digitally or physically
Unwanted communication (calls, messages, letters, gifts)
Contacting family members, colleagues, or employers
Recording or photographing someone without consent
Doxing (publishing someone's personal information online)
Damaging reputation through third parties or social media
Damaging property or targeting pets
The offence applies regardless of the relationship between the victim and the offender – partners, ex-partners, acquaintances, and strangers are all covered.
What a Stalking Investigator NZ Adds to Your Case
Police can issue a stalking and harassment notice after a single incident, and they encourage victims to self-document incidents. But self-collected evidence has limitations in court. A licensed stalking investigator in NZ can build a documented, legally sound evidence package that Police and courts can rely on.
What We Do
Our harassment investigations in NZ follow a structured, chain-of-custody process:
Dated surveillance logs documenting observed incidents with timestamps and locations
Screenshot and metadata capture of online and digital contact
Witness identification and timeline mapping to establish patterns across the two-year window
Court-ready investigation reports prepared to evidential standards
Chain-of-custody documentation protecting the integrity of all evidence collected
Where a case involves an identity unknown – for example, anonymous online accounts – our people tracing specialists can assist in identifying the subject before evidence collection begins.
Online Harassment Investigator
Stalking has moved online. Social media, messaging platforms, tracking apps, and fake accounts are now common tools used by stalkers, and the new law specifically recognises digital conduct as specified acts.
As an online harassment investigator, Veritas gathers and preserves digital evidence in a format suitable for Harmful Digital Communications Act complaints, Police referrals, and civil proceedings. This includes:
Fake accounts and impersonation
Coordinated social media targeting
Location tracking via apps or shared accounts
Repeated unwanted contact across multiple platforms
If the harassment is connected to a broader pattern of misconduct, our factual investigation services and business investigation capabilities can extend the scope without losing continuity.
Talk to Our NZ Stalking Investigation Team
Veritas conducts confidential stalking investigations across NZ for individuals, whānau, and organisations. Whether you're dealing with an ex-partner, a colleague, or an unknown person online, we can help you build a case that holds up.
Call 0800 776 755 or email richard@veritas.nz for a confidential discussion.
Learn more about how we can help as a private investigator in Auckland or broader services for private investigation in NZ.
Support Services
Police: 105 (non-urgent) | 111 (immediate danger)
Shine: 0508 744 633 – support for domestic abuse and stalking
Women's Refuge: 0800 733 843
Netsafe: 0508 638 723 – online harassment support
Victim Support: 0800 842 846
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I report stalking to the police before contacting a private investigator?
Yes, and we encourage it. Police can issue a formal notice after a single incident. Engaging a PI at the same time means evidence is being collected to the standard needed if the case proceeds to prosecution.
What evidence helps a stalking investigation in NZ?
Keep a personal log of every incident – dates, times, locations, and what happened. Screenshot any digital contact and don't delete messages. The more detail you have from the start, the stronger the case.
Can you investigate online stalking if I don't know who it is?
Yes. Our online harassment investigator can conduct open-source intelligence and digital tracing to identify the person behind anonymous accounts or repeated contact, within the bounds of the Privacy Act 2020.
When should I contact the police rather than a PI?
If you're in immediate danger, call 111. A private investigator is not a substitute for the police. Our role is to build the evidence record that supports Police and court action.
What can't Veritas do?
We don't make arrests or provide personal protection. We also won't conduct any investigation that would, in itself, constitute harassment or breach a protection order. Our work is bound by the PSPLA licence conditions and applicable NZ law.