# NZ First plans combat sports safety reforms

> NZ First to overhaul combat sports rules for athlete safety and stop criminal influence.
- Title: NZ First plans combat sports safety reforms · RNZ | Shortify
- Summary: NZ First to overhaul combat sports rules for athlete safety and stop criminal influence. New Zealand First will create a Combat Sports Commission to improve…
- Keywords: nz first, combat sports, safety reforms, kain parsons, martial arts, boxing, kickboxing, mma, combat sports commission, criminal influence, legitimate clubs, coronial recommendations
- Source: RNZ — https://rnz.co.nz/news/politics_election-2026/1924807/nz-first-announces-plan-to-overhaul-combat-sports-regulations
- Author: RNZ | Te Reo Irirangi o Aotearoa
- Published: 2026-10-15T02:15:01+00:00
- Read time: 1 min
- Topics: nz first, combat sports, safety reforms, kain parsons, martial arts, boxing, kickboxing, mma, combat sports commission, criminal influence, legitimate clubs, coronial recommendations
## New Zealand First announces combat sports reforms
New Zealand First wants to overhaul combat sports regulation to improve safety and stop criminal influence.

> 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
## Kain Parsons death drives reforms
Kain Parsons died in 2018 after receiving 30 blows to the head in a charity boxing match.

> Kain Parsons died in 2018 after receiving 30 blows to the head in a charity boxing match
## New Zealand First's proposed reforms
If elected, New Zealand First would establish a Combat Sports Commission to oversee nationwide event licensing and contestant registration, introduce minimum health and medical standards, and penalise illegal events.
## Key takeaway

New Zealand First will create a Combat Sports Commission to improve safety and reduce gang involvement in combat sports if elected.