Human rights
The Human Rights Act 1993 protects people in New Zealand from discrimination. Together with the Bill of Rights Act, it makes sure everyone is treated fairly whatever their race, sex, religion, age, disability, or background.
Freedom from discrimination
Discrimination means treating someone unfairly or less favourably because of a personal characteristic. The Human Rights Act 1993 makes discrimination unlawful on grounds including sex (including pregnancy), marital and family status, religious or ethical belief, race, colour, ethnic or national origin, disability, age (from 16), political opinion, employment status, sexual orientation, and being in a relationship or having family responsibilities.
The protection applies across public life: employment, education, housing and accommodation, and access to goods, services, and public places. For example, an employer cannot refuse to hire someone because of their religion, and a landlord cannot refuse tenants because they have children or because of their ethnicity.
Harassment is also unlawful. Sexual harassment is unwelcome sexual behaviour that offends, humiliates, or intimidates. Racial harassment is language or behaviour that targets a person's race or ethnicity. Both are unlawful at work and in other areas of life.
Key points
- Human Rights Act 1993 bans discrimination on listed grounds
- Covers work, education, housing, goods and services
- Sexual and racial harassment are unlawful
- Protects everyone in New Zealand, whatever their status
The Human Rights Commission
The Human Rights Commission promotes and protects human rights in New Zealand. Anyone who believes they have been discriminated against can make a free complaint to the Commission, which offers a dispute resolution service to help settle complaints.
If a complaint cannot be resolved, it can go to the Human Rights Review Tribunal, which can order remedies such as compensation or orders to stop the discriminatory conduct. Employment-related complaints can also go through the employment institutions.
Key points
- Complaints to the Human Rights Commission are free
- Unresolved cases can go to the Human Rights Review Tribunal
- Remedies include compensation and orders to stop the conduct
Equality in New Zealand life
Women and men have equal rights under New Zealand law. In 1893, New Zealand became the first self-governing country in which women won the right to vote, after a campaign led by Kate Sheppard — she appears on the $10 note. The law requires equal pay for work of equal value.
New Zealand recognises three official languages: English, te reo Māori, and New Zealand Sign Language. Same-sex couples have been able to marry since 2013. Everyone working in New Zealand has the same minimum employment rights — such as the minimum wage, paid holidays, and a safe workplace — regardless of nationality or visa status.
Children have rights too. New Zealand is a party to the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child, and the law does not allow the use of force that harms children. Anyone concerned about a child's safety can contact the Police or Oranga Tamariki.
With rights come responsibilities: everyone is expected to respect the rights, cultures, religions, and choices of others.
Key points
- Women won the vote in 1893 — a world first (Kate Sheppard)
- Equal pay for equal work; equal rights for women and men
- Official languages: English, te reo Māori, NZ Sign Language
- Respecting others' rights is a responsibility of everyone