A city in China is trialling a new programme to tackle domestic violence that local activists want to adopt. 

From next month, couples in the eastern city of Yiwa will be able to search if their fiance has a history of domestic violence.

Couples will need to supply ID and their application to the marriage registry office, before being able to access a searchable database.

The idea has previously been mooted in New Zealand because it would affect a person's civil rights.

Whanau Ora Commissioning Agency chairwoman Merepeka Ruakawa-Tait told Mike Hosking it should be reconsidered to reduce harm in the home.

"Past behaviour, particularly if it's in terms of violence and male assaults female, is pretty much an indication that there is behaviour there that is likely to be continued in a new relationship." 

She says this is big step for China, who only acknowledged domestic violence as a crime several years ago.

"This is a real attempt to reduce harm in the home, and I applaud them for it. And New Zealand should be thinking about this. We have a very high tolerance for domestic violence."