Human rights and freedoms

All New Zealanders are entitled to basic human rights and freedoms to protect them from unlawful discrimination. Find out about your rights, and how to get help or make a complaint.

Basic rights and freedoms

The Human Rights Act 1993 protects people in New Zealand from unlawful discrimination.

Te Kāhui Tika Tangata | Human Rights Commission has more information, including:

What is unlawful discrimination?

Unlawful discrimination is when you’re treated unfairly or less favourably than another person because of your:

  • age
  • colour
  • race
  • disability, includes illness
  • employment status
  • ethical belief
  • ethnic or national origin
  • family status
  • marital status
  • political opinion
  • religious belief
  • sex
  • sexual orientation.

Human Rights Act 1993 — New Zealand Legislation

New Zealand and international law

NZ has signed up to several international human rights covenants, conventions and protocols.

International human rights — Ministry of Justice

Human Rights Monitor is an online tool that records recommendations made to NZ from United Nations’ systems and the actions being taken by the government in response.

Human Rights Monitor

Children and young people’s rights

Children and young people’s rights cover things like:

  • what children should and should not be allowed to do
  • how children should be treated
  • how they should be protected.

The Office of the Children’s Commissioner provides more information.

Rights — Office of the Children’s Commissioner

Rights of persons with disabilities

The Ministry of Disabled People's website provides the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities in multiple languages and alternate formats.

About the Convention — Ministry of Disabled People

How to make or resolve a complaint

If you’ve experienced unlawful discrimination, you have the right to complain.

Complain about discrimination

Human rights guidance

Te Kāhui Tika Tangata | Human Rights Commission has guidance on topics such as:

  • unlawful discrimination
  • harmful speech
  • racial harassment
  • workers' rights.

Resources — Human Rights Commission

Who to contact for more help

If you need more help or have questions about the information or services on this page, contact one of the following agencies.

Utility links and page information

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