A former New Zealand police officer who once handled a woman’s domestic violence complaints against her ex-partner has been ordered to pay her $58,000 following a Family Court ruling that found she made significantly greater contributions to their relationship amid sustained abuse.
The pair later entered a relationship, married, and separated within months after the officer was charged and later convicted of assault and strangulation offences against her, leading to his departure from Police.
The woman told the Family Court she endured ongoing psychological, financial and physical abuse, describing a life marked by control, intimidation and financial exploitation, including being required to pay rent, surrender half her income and cover household costs despite having far fewer assets.
Judge Nicola Grimes found her evidence credible and unchallenged, noting she carried the bulk of domestic labour, contributed financially to a relocatable cabin and supported an Airbnb operation without income.
The court ruled her contributions outweighed those of her former husband and awarded her 35 percent of the property’s increased value. Police confirmed the man is no longer employed, and an Independent Police Conduct Authority investigation previously examined the offending.
Image credit: Sandy Millar
