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Reported assaults on children have increased since the introduction of the child discipline act two years ago, according to police figures.
However, police said the legislative change, the subject of an upcoming non-binding citizens-initiated referendum, had had little impact on day-to-day policing.
Figures from the latest review of police activity since the new law came into effect show a monthly average of 49 reports of child assault for the 21 months through to April 4.
These comprised "smacking", "minor acts of physical discipline" and "other child
assault".
The average for the three months before the change was 32. Figures before that were not available.
The amendment to the Crimes Act made it illegal for parents to use force against children for "correction", but also allowed police the discretion not to prosecute `inconsequential" cases.
During the latest review period, which covered the six months to April 4, police attended 279 incidents, of which 39 were "minor acts of physical discipline" and eight involving smacking.
They prosecuted four of the minor acts of physical discipline, but none of those involving smacking.
One prosecution resulted in a discharge without conviction, while the three other cases are yet to be heard.
Deputy Police Commissioner Rob Pope said it was "business as usual" for police.
"I am confident in saying that this latest review again shows the amendment has had minimal impact on police activity," he said.
"It continues to be business as usual for us and police continue to use their discretion and common sense in their decision making around child assault events."
He said the fifth and final review was finished and analysis was being carried out.
Both sides of the smacking debate saw the latest figures as backing their position.
Family First director Bob McCoskrie, who helped to gather signatures to force the referendum, described the smacking law as a "complete and utter waste of time".
"While the country struggles with the problem of the P-drug, violent crime, including armed hold-ups, and boy racing, which is killing our young people, the police are having to waste time running around investigating parents who use a smack," he said.
But Yes Vote campaigner Deborah Morris-Travers said the statistics showed police were prosecuting fewer cases of smacking and minor physical discipline, but more cases of other child assault.
"In all cases, police advise that they have only taken action because of the range of circumstances combining to place children at risk," the former government minister said.
"As such, the law is protecting those who need it most."
