Former ACT Party president Tim Jago has been sentenced to an additional 18 months in prison after pleading guilty to a new charge of sexual violation by unlawful sexual connection. The sentence was handed down at the Auckland District Court, where the judge ordered the term to be served cumulatively, meaning it will be added to his existing prison sentence.
Background on Prior Convictions
Jago’s latest sentencing follows his August last year conviction for indecently assaulting two teenage boys. Those offenses occurred in the 1990s and involved individuals Jago knew through an Auckland surf lifesaving club. For those crimes, Jago received a sentence of two years and six months in prison.
Jago attempted to challenge the initial convictions and his sentence through the Court of Appeal. However, in September 2025, the court dismissed his case. In its dismissal, the Court of Appeal characterized Jago’s actions as “serious and repeated sexual offending” that resulted in “long-lasting effects” for the complainants. During those proceedings, Jago had contended that certain charges were improperly considered and argued that the trial judge provided inadequate directions to the jury.
Political Career and Resignation
Tim Jago served as the president of the ACT Party from 2019 until early 2023. He resigned from the position in January 2023, the same month the initial charges against him were formally laid. Beyond the 18-month prison term, the court has ordered Jago to pay $1500 in reparation.
Future Legal Implications
As the new 18-month sentence is consecutive to his previous term, Jago will remain in custody for a longer duration than originally mandated by the sentencing. While the legal process regarding these specific charges has concluded with today’s sentencing, the cumulative nature of the penalty ensures that his total time served reflects the combined gravity of his multiple convictions. No further appeals regarding this specific charge have been indicated by the court record.