According to current regulations, "educative slaps" in some cases were allowed, however, without using any objects.

Despite protests, the bill "against slaps" has been approved by parliament with 113 posiitve votes. According to a recent poll, 83%-of New Zealanders believe that a parents should have the right to hit their children with "educative slaps" once in a while.

Several religious and conservative groups have protested the bill saying that it would turn parents into criminal offenders due to a weak slap. However, according to an MP in support of the new regulation, mainly "far-right or fundamentalist groups" have opposed the bill.

Due to pressure from the biggest opposition party, an amendment has been made that says that investigations can only be started after police approval: if the case is considered insignificant, it does not have to be reported.