Police Interviews in New Zealand: Should You Talk or Stay Silent?
If the police want to interview you, it is natural to feel nervous or want to explain your side. But before you say anything, know this: what you say can be used against you and often is.
One of the most important legal protections you have in New Zealand is the right to remain silent. In many cases, choosing not to speak can be the best decision you make.
At Anj Singh Law, I have represented clients across all types of criminal matters and have seen firsthand how a single sentence in a police interview can complicate a defence or even lead to a conviction. This blog explains what your rights are, what to expect in a police interview, and why silence is not weakness it is protection.
Your Right to Silence in New Zealand
Under New Zealand law, you are not required to answer police questions about an offence. You are only legally required to provide:
Your full name
Your address
Your date of birth
Everything beyond that is optional. That includes explaining what happened, answering accusations, or trying to “clear things up.” You are not being difficult or suspicious by staying silent you are exercising a fundamental right.
Before a Police Interview Begins
Police are legally required to inform you of your rights before conducting a formal interview. These include:
The right to remain silent
The right to consult a lawyer
The right to have a lawyer present during questioning
The right to stop the interview at any time
If police do not properly explain these rights before questioning you, the interview may be challenged later in court as improperly obtained.
Why Silence Is So Important
You may feel that cooperating fully or explaining yourself will help. But in reality, even small details phrased poorly or misunderstood can:
Be taken out of context
Be used to confirm parts of the police version
Contradict later evidence, even unintentionally
Limit your ability to raise other defences later
Remember: you do not know what evidence the police already have, or how they plan to use your statements. You might think you're helping, but the damage may already be done.
Call a Lawyer Before You Say Anything
You have the absolute right to speak to a lawyer before any questioning and you should always use it. This applies even if you are innocent, even if the matter seems minor, and even if you have “nothing to hide.”
At Anj Singh Law, I provide fast, strategic advice to people being interviewed by police. I can:
Advise you on whether to participate
Attend the interview with you
Protect your rights during questioning
Help you avoid saying something that might hurt your case later
Whether you are being interviewed as a suspect or a witness, never assume you are safe without legal advice.
What If I Have Already Given a Statement?
If you have already spoken to police, all is not lost. We can:
Review the interview transcript or recording
Assess whether your rights were properly explained
Identify whether the statement was voluntary and lawful
Explore ways to minimise the damage or challenge the admissibility of the interview
It is still important to contact a lawyer as soon as possible to discuss your next steps.
Trusted. On Your Side.
With over 22 years of experience in criminal defence, I understand how quickly police interviews can go wrong and how powerful your silence can be in protecting your future.
Before you speak, before you explain, and before you defend yourself: call Anj Singh Law. I will help you navigate the interview process with confidence, clarity, and protection.
Let’s protect your rights, your record, and your reputation.
📞 Contact Us Now if you or someone you care about is being asked to attend a police interview. Your defence starts with the first decision and the first words you choose not to say.
