Rights and responsibilities
Aotearoa New Zealand’s commitment to human rights reflects national values that are deeply embedded. A culture of respect for one another is important and the notion of everyone getting “a fair go” is a well-recognised value.
Tikanga Māori (Māori values and customary practices) also define our rights and responsibilities. Core values like kaitiakitanga (guardianship), manaakitanga (care), and whanaungatanga (connection) increasingly underpin our shared values.
Unlawful discrimination
Human rights determine how we live together and guide our responsibilities towards each other, regardless of characteristics like sex, age, sexual orientation, ethnicity, disability and religion.
Find out about unlawful discrimination in the Human Rights Act on the Human Rights Commission website.
Did You Know?
New Zealand became the first self-governing country in the world to give women the right to vote in parliamentary elections, on 19 September, 1893.
Employment rights
Learn about your employment rights, including pay/wages, employment agreements, leave/holidays, and fair work practices.
Migrant workers have the same minimum employment rights as New Zealand workers. If you, or someone you know, is being exploited in the workplace, you can report it to Employment New Zealand (a government agency).
Job applicants also have a right to be treated fairly. Learn about preemployment guidelines created to help employers, recruiters and job seekers.
Tenancy rights
Tenancy Services assists with disputes between landlords and tenants, including:
- problems with rent, damage and inspections
- tenancy agreements and bonds
- breaches of the Residential Tenancies Act.
For guidance on the rights and responsibilities of both landlords and tenants visit the Tenancy Services website.
Heath & disability
Learn about the Health and Disability Code of Rights. The Health and Disability Commissioner investigates complaints about unfair treatment received from health and disability service providers.
Right to information
You have the right to access information held by government departments and other public bodies and officials:
- Information that’s about you– The Privacy Act 2020 gives you the right to access information that government and private-sector organisations hold about you. Learn about the role of the Privacy Commissioner.
- Other government information (“official information”)– The Official Information Act 1982 gives the public the right to access government documents and information. Local Government Official Information and Meetings Act (LGOIMA) 1987 applies to local government agencies.
Home & family
Everyone has the right to be in a safe home environment where they are protected and cared for. Support is available if you or someone you know is experiencing family harm, check Are You OK website.
You can apply for the Victims of Family Violence visa if you have experienced family harm and have been in a partnership with a New Zealand citizen or resident, or hold a partnership-based visa with a temporary migrant.
It is illegal for a parent to smack or use force against any child as discipline or to correct their behaviour. Repeatedly using force against a child (or any other household member) for discipline or correction is domestic violence. Learn more about the rights of children and young people on the Children and Young People’s Commission website.
For guidance on parenting in New Zealand, you may contact a migrant settlement support service, visit the Parenting Place or ask your local Plunket service.
Immigration
Learn more about your rights around the immigration process including information on workplace exploitation and deportation on the immigration section of the Community Law website.
