Crime and screen time feature in election promises

National has promised to remove the right to silence when a child is murdered.

The commitment was reported among party promises on crime, health and screen time ahead of the 7 November election, according to RNZ.

The pledge would change the legal protection that allows a person to refuse to answer questions. RNZ reported it as part of its daily campaign trail coverage.

Screen time has featured in the campaigns of both of the major parties.

National campaigned on ending the use of digital screens in early childhood education. The party proposed introducing new skill-level checks for young students, according to Newstalk ZB.

Labour proposed offering children alternatives to screens as part of its 2026 election campaign, according to Stuff.

National first put forward its early childhood screen policy in September. Labour's alternative-to-screens proposal was reported on 18 October.

New Zealanders will vote on 7 November.