You have the right to freedom of expression and of thought, conscience and religion and to freedom of association, movement and peaceful assembly at any age.

Can I be discriminated against?
You cannot be discriminated against on the grounds of your colour, race, ethnic or national origins, sex (which includes pregnancy), disability (which includes mental illness), religious or ethical belief, age (commencing with the age of 16 years), political opinion, employment status, family status, marital status or sexual orientation (which includes being gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender, fa’afafine and takataapui).You also can’t be discriminated against because you are a relative of someone who is a certain colour, has certain religious or political views and so forth.

You can complain about discrimination on any of these grounds at any age, to the Human Rights Commission (phone 0800 496 877, website www.hrc.co.nz)

AGE 16
What about discrimination on the grounds of age?
It is illegal to discriminate against someone on the grounds of age but only if that person is over the age of 16. So if you are under 16 you cannot complain to the Human Rights Commission about discrimination on the grounds of your age, but you can complain on any of the other grounds (e.g. sexual orientation, disability etc).

AGE 18
When can I vote?
You can vote in parliamentary and local body elections, and therefore have a say in decisions about how the country (or your local council) is run. This is sometimes called “participation in the democratic, or electoral, process”.

Can I be an election candidate?
Yes, you can stand as a candidate in general or local elections when you turn 18.

When can I be appointed a Director of a company?
You can be appointed at 18.