Rights & Responsibilities

NZ Bill of Rights Act 1990 affirms and protects fundamental rights and freedoms including freedom of expression, religion, and the right to a fair trial.

Human Rights Act 1993 prohibits unlawful discrimination in areas such as employment, education and accommodation based on race, sex, age, disability, religion and more.

Official Information Act 1982 (OIA) allows anyone to request documents and information from government agencies (20 working days to respond).

Privacy Act 2020 governs how personal information is collected, used and stored by organisations.

New Zealand has three official languages:

1. English — used in most government, business and everyday life

2. Te Reo Māori — became official under the Māori Language Act 1987

3. New Zealand Sign Language (NZSL) — became official in 2006

Knowing about te reo Māori and its official status is an important test topic.

As a New Zealand citizen you have the right to:

- Vote in general and local elections (aged 18+)

- Hold a New Zealand passport

- Live and work in New Zealand without restrictions

- Stand as a candidate in elections (aged 18+)

- Pass citizenship to children born overseas

As a citizen you have the responsibility to:

- Pay taxes lawfully

- Obey New Zealand laws

- Serve on jury duty if called (most citizens aged 20–65)

- Respect others' rights and the democratic process

New Zealand allows dual citizenship — you don't have to give up another citizenship to become a NZ citizen (though your other country's rules may vary).

New Zealand has strong protections for workers, enshrined in law.

Employment Relations Act 2000 (ERA): The primary employment law governing the relationship between employers and employees. It requires good faith from both parties and sets out rights around employment agreements (every employee must have a written agreement), collective bargaining, and personal grievances.

Minimum wage: New Zealand has a statutory minimum wage reviewed annually. As of 2025, the adult minimum wage is $23.15 per hour. There are also starting-out and training rates.

Leave entitlements:

- 4 weeks' annual leave per year (after 12 months of employment)

- 10 days' sick leave per year

- Bereavement leave (3 days for a close family member)

- Parental leave of up to 26 weeks (primary carer) with government payments

Public holidays: New Zealand has 12 public holidays per year, including Waitangi Day, ANZAC Day, Christmas, Easter and Matariki.

Health and Safety at Work Act 2015 (HSWA): Requires all businesses (Person Conducting a Business or Undertaking — PCBU) to ensure the health and safety of workers, so far as is reasonably practicable.

ACC (Accident Compensation Corporation): New Zealand's unique no-fault accident compensation scheme. If you are injured in an accident (at work, at home, or anywhere), ACC covers medical costs and up to 80% of your lost earnings — regardless of who was at fault. In return, New Zealanders cannot sue for personal injury damages.

The Electoral Roll: To vote in New Zealand general elections, you must be enrolled. Every eligible person is legally required to enrol (though voting itself is not compulsory). You can enrol online, by post, or at an electoral office.

Who can enrol: Any NZ citizen or permanent resident aged 18 or over who has lived in NZ for at least 12 months at some point. You can enrol from age 17 but can only vote from 18.

The Māori electoral option: Māori (people of Māori descent) can choose to enrol on either the Māori electoral roll (to vote in a Māori electorate) or the general electoral roll. The choice is made during a Māori electoral option exercise (held every 5 years, after the Census). Currently there are 7 Māori electorates.

Citizens Initiated Referenda (CIR): Under the Citizens Initiated Referenda Act 1993, any citizen can petition for a non-binding referendum on any matter. A valid petition requires signatures from 10% of all enrolled voters. Parliament is not legally required to act on the result.

The Electoral Commission: An independent Crown entity that administers elections, maintains the electoral roll, sets electoral boundaries, and provides voter education. It is independent of the government of the day.