West Coast New Zealand
WELLINGTON — In a move described as “progressive and softly scented,” New Zealand Police have announced plans to phase out pepper spray and replace it with a “therapeutic lavender calming mist” designed to subdue offenders through aromatherapy rather than discomfort.
Police Commissioner Lydia Binn unveiled the initiative during a mindfulness-themed press conference at Police National Headquarters.
“For too long, our tools have inflamed tensions — and sinuses,” Binn said. “Lavender engages the parasympathetic nervous system, encouraging offenders to breathe deeply and reconsider their life choices.”
The new spray, branded Peace-Mist 3000, will be deployed nationwide by mid-2026 following a six-month pilot programme in central Wellington.
Early trials have reportedly been “soothingly successful.”
Frontline officer Hareb Alsack described one encounter outside Courtenay Place:
“We had a guy hurling cones at traffic. Two spritzes of lavender and he sat cross-legged on the footpath to ‘re-align his aura.’ Honestly, it worked better than cuffs.”
A spokesperson for the Ministry of Kindness, Lou Sarsoul, praised the change as “a milestone in non-violent justice.”
“When we replace pain with peace, we redefine public safety,” Sarsoul said. “Soon we’ll look back and wonder how anyone ever thought weaponised capsaicin was inclusive.”
In addition to lavender mist, officers will also be issued silicone-padded truncheons to “soften the blows of systemic enforcement.”
Commissioner Binn said the new equipment “retains form and bounce while honouring empathy.”
“If a strike must be made,” she explained, “let it be firm, but forgiving.”
Critics, however, say the policy lacks realism.
Former officer Terry Ryst commented,
“Try diffusing a bar brawl in Westport with lavender oil and a silicone noodle — you’ll end up aromatherapied into the ER.”
Police confirm that alongside lavender, they are trialling other “emotionally restorative alternatives,” including:
Chamomile foggers for domestic disputes
Rose-quartz diffusers for traffic stops
Sandalwood serenity grenades for riot control
Binn defended the plan:
“Our goal isn’t control — it’s collective calm. If offenders smell nice while being arrested, we’ve all won.”
Public workshops titled “Scent-Based Safety: A Journey to Olfactory Justice” begin next month.
[…]
The Most Revolutionary Act 