Discrimination at work

It’s against the law to be treated unfairly in the workplace or when you apply for a job.

Types of discrimination

It’s unlawful if an employer treats you unfairly at work in a way that unreasonably disadvantages you because of who you are and what you believe in.

Employers and workplaces may not discriminate against you because of:

  • age
  • race or colour
  • ethnicity or national origins
  • sex (including pregnancy or childbirth)
  • sexual orientation
  • disability
  • religious or ethical belief
  • marital or family status
  • employment status
  • political opinion
  • being affected by family violence
  • involvement in union activities, including claiming or helping others to claim a benefit under an employment agreement, or taking or intending to take employment relations education leave.

Discrimination — Employment New Zealand

Legal protection at work

Protection from discrimination applies to all aspects of employment, including:

  • recruitment and selection
  • your pay and conditions
  • training and promotion
  • ending your employment.

The law applies to both full-time and part-time work, even if you’re:

  • working on contract
  • a volunteer worker
  • looking for work through a recruitment agency.

As well as employers, the law also applies to how you’re treated by professional or trade associations, qualifying bodies and vocational training bodies.

Exceptions

There are some exceptions. An employer can treat people differently in some situations.

Exceptions to unlawful discrimination — Employment New Zealand

If you’ve been discriminated against

Discrimination can sometimes be hard to prove. The first thing to do is to discuss your problem with:

  • the Human Rights Commission, or
  • Employment New Zealand.

They’ll talk the problem through with you and help you decide what to do next.

Contact the Human Rights Commission

Contact Employment New Zealand

Resolving the problem

There are several ways the Human Rights Commission and Employment New Zealand can help you to resolve your problem. They’ll work with you to decide what to do. This could be:

  • making a phone call to the employer for you
  • arranging mediation so everyone involved can talk the problem through
  • taking the grievance to the Human Rights Review Tribunal or the Employment Relations Authority.

If it’s a human rights matter

If it’s an employment matter

Related topics

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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