Individual rights
New Zealand is a modern democratic country in which human rights are protected. By international standards, New Zealand is a remarkably safe and law-abiding society. Newcomers to New Zealand have the same rights and obligations under New Zealand law as any other person living here. It is against the law for anyone to steal or damage your property, and for anyone to deliberately attempt to injure you or anyone in your family.
Consumer rights
New Zealand has laws to protect you from misleading advertising, faulty goods, poor workmanship, unfair trading and other problems you might meet as a consumer. Always keep receipts, quotations and estimates, copies of agreements and other such documents, since these can help if a dispute arises. Help is available from the Citizens Advice Bureau.
Facilities for disabled people
Every new building and every major reconstruction in New Zealand must provide "reasonable and adequate" access for people with disabilities. Most facilities have wheelchair access. Some buses in our towns and cities are equipped to cater for the disabled, but most public transport is not. Specific car parking is available for people with disabilities. Bring your mobility card or medical certificate with you so that you can apply for a mobility card to use here.
The New Zealand Police
The job of the police is to enforce the law and to investigate any incidents that are reported to them. You can approach the police at any time and ask for help. Most police in New Zealand wear a uniform and they should also be able to show you their police identification card and tell you which station they are from.
There’s plenty of helpful information about how to deal with the police in the Living Guide (PDF 3.9 Mb) including information on your rights.
Firearms
In New Zealand it is illegal to carry a gun for self-defence. Before you can own or possess a firearm, you need to have a licence. You should leave any firearms you own in your country of origin until you have gained permanent residence. Once you have permanent residence, you can apply to the New Zealand Police for a firearms licence and a permit to import. Find out more at www.police.govt.nz
Drugs
It is an offence to buy, sell, use or possess controlled drugs, unless you are permitted to do so, for example if the drugs have been prescribed for you by a doctor.
Domestic Violence
The New Zealand Police take family/domestic violence very seriously. The Domestic Violence Act provides protection for all people, whether they are married or unmarried, children, relatives or same sex partners, from physical, sexual and psychological violence. Psychological violence includes the use of intimidation, harassment, damage to property, threats of abuse, and allowing a child to see or hear abuse.
People who are, or have been, in a relationship with a person who has used violence against them can seek a protection order to help keep them safe. Help is available from a number of agencies including the Police, Community Law Centres and Citizens Advice Bureaux. High school counsellors are also available to help those who are at school and the Women’s Refuge helps protect women.
All forms of violence against children are also unacceptable. Substantial penalties can be imposed for abuse, neglect and assault of children. That includes smacking.
