1999 New Zealand justice referendum

A Citizens Initiated Referendum was held in New Zealand on 27 November 1999, based on the question: "Should there be a reform of our justice system placing greater emphasis on the needs of victims, providing restitution and compensation for them and imposing minimum sentences and hard labour for all serious violent offences?"

The referendum saw changes to law such as the Bail Act 2000, which made it harder to be able to be granted bail which meant more individuals would have to await trail in remand prisons.

The referendum also saw adaptions to the Victims Rights Act 2002 and the implementation of Victim Impact Statements to be read in court.

Additionally, the Parole Act 2002 made it harder for inmates to apply for/get parole and leave prison early meaning people in prison for longer adding to prison population.