NZ First Party
New Zealand First will back Combat Sports and establish a statutory Combat Sports Commission to enforce participant safety, eliminate unsanctioned events, and block criminal influence.
The lack of modern regulation creates severe risks for athletes and undermines legitimate clubs.
Following coronial recommendations after the tragic death of Kain Parsons, alongside growing concerns over gang-affiliated bare-knuckle fights and unsanctioned prize-money events, New Zealand First will deliver decisive reform.
New Zealand First will:
- Establish a Combat Sports Commission to oversee nationwide event licensing and contestant registration.
- Introduce minimum health and medical standards, such as pre- and post-fight medical examinations, serological clearances, attending medical practitioners at all events, and mandatory stand-down period between contests determined by medical professionals.
- Empower the Commission to focus on licensing events and promoters.
- Introduce a penalty regime for illegal and unsanctioned events.
- Formalise recognition and partnership with Sport New Zealand to support legitimate promoters and athletes.
This comprehensive reform ensures safer ringsides, clean competition, and public confidence across New Zealand’s combat sports sector.
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