National Party Leader John Key says a National-led Government will change the smacking law if the spirit of the compromise thrashed out with Labour is broken.

“We’re watching the developments.  National has maintained right the way through the process that we do not wish to see responsible parents criminalised. If that starts happening, a National Government would fix the law.

“The critical test of this legislation was always going to be the way it was administered.

“But I am confident the police will administer the law with the appropriate judgment and discretion required.  If, for whatever reason, that proves not to be the case, we’ll change it.

“The overwhelming majority of New Zealanders do not want to see good parents criminalised for an ‘inconsequential’ smack.  That’s what National signed up to, and that’s still the case.”