Staff + Student LoginYou and the New Zealand Law
Drinking
You must be at least 18 years old to drink alcohol in New Zealand. If you are under 18, you are not allowed to purchase alcohol or enter a bar or nightclub unless you are with a parent or guardian. Photo identification that shows your age is often requested before you are allowed to enter a hotel bar or club, this Photo ID must be in the form of one of the following, otherwise it will not be accepted:
- Passport
- New Zealand Drivers License
- Official 'Hotel Association of New Zealand' 18+ Card
It is against the law to drink or have alcohol in your possession in a public place (e.g. on the streets of a city or at the beach). The penalty for breaking laws relating to alcohol can range from fines between NZ$200.00 and $2000.00 to temporary imprisonment.
Driving
If you have a driver’s licence in your home country or an international driving permit you can drive in New Zealand for up to 12 months before applying for a New Zealand licence. People may apply for the first stage of the driving licence process at age 15 or older. See www.landtransport.govt.nz
Recreational Drugs & Tobacco
In New Zealand the penalties for importing and/or selling illegal drugs are severe. It is illegal to possess or consume/smoke drugs including cannabis, ecstasy, heroin, methamphetamine and LSD. Visitors to New Zealand who are caught with illegal drugs will be sent home and not allowed to return to New Zealand. Cigarettes and tobacco are legal in New Zealand, although it is illegal for shops to sell these items to anyone under 18-years-old. Smoking is prohibited in all bars, clubs, pubs, restaurants, offices, work places, shopping areas and public transport. The University does not allow smoking in any building.
Gambling
There are four types of legal gambling in New Zealand:
- Lotteries: These include Lotto and daily Keno. You must be aged 18 years or older.
- Instant Kiwi: Instant Kiwi is a scratch card game. You must be aged 16 years or older to buy Instant Kiwi tickets.
- TAB: This agency enables gambling on horse racing and other sports. You must be 18 years old to place a bet with the TAB or bet at the horse racing tracks.
- Casinos: There are several major casinos in New Zealand. The legal age to enter any casino is 20 years.
If you are concerned about a gambling problem, free help is available. Please talk to a Student Counsellor, International Student Advisor or visit the Problem Gambling website.
Discrimination
In New Zealand it is unlawful to discriminate against people, or treat them differently. Section 21 of the Human Rights Act1993) says that no one may discriminate against another person because of their gender, which includes pregnancy and childbirth; marital status; religious belief; ethical belief; colour; race; ethnic or national origins, which includes nationality and citizenship; disability; age; political opinion; employment status; family status; or sexual orientation.
Harassment
Harassment can be defined as words, conduct or actions that are frequent and directed at a specific person resulting in that person becoming annoyed, alarmed, or experiencing substantial emotional distress. Harassment is uninvited, unwelcomed and undeserved. It can result in the serious interference of an individual's work or study pursuits.
Sexual harassment is a particular type of harassment that is focused on words, conduct or actions of a sexual nature.
Racial harassment is another type of harassment using words (written or spoken), conduct, actions or visual material that:
- express hostility against, or bring into contempt or ridicule, any other person on the grounds of the colour, race, or ethnic or national origins of that person,
- are hurtful or offensive to that other person (whether or not that is conveyed to the person complained about), and
- are either repeated, or of such a significant nature, that it has a detrimental effect on that other person.
Assault
It is not acceptable in New Zealand to push, hit, kick or punch another person. This includes friends, partners, wives and husbands. Yelling rude or hurtful words at someone can also be considered as assault.
Sexual Assault
This can be defined as any type of sexual activity that is not agreed to. It can range from inappropriate touching to attempted rape and rape. Sexual assault can be verbal, visual, or anything that forces a person to join in unwanted sexual contact or attention.
Please be careful as many things that may be acceptable in your country are not acceptable in New Zealand. All forms of assault carry harsh penalties and will probably affect your permit to remain in New Zealand.
Lawsuits
Most New Zealand businesses are honest but always read the small print to make sure you understand all the conditions. The legal saying is 'buyer beware'. Consumers are protected by the Fair Trading Act and the Consumer Guarantees Act.
Legal Advice
You can use the Hamilton District Community Law Centre for free legal advice. Information is also available at the International Centre. You can contact the Law Centre on 839 0770 or admin@hamiltonclc.org.nz
If you are arrested:
The law says you must tell the police your name and current contact details. However, if you are arrested you should immediately ask for a solicitor or lawyer. Refusing to answer questions or saying the wrong thing may cause problems later in court so you should have a solicitor present to give you advice before you speak.
Ask the police officer for a duty solicitor to represent you. The police must get one for you and allow you to speak to your solicitor in private before they interview you. The duty solicitor is free while you are in the police station. You also have the right to have one phone call made on your behalf. Use the phone call to contact a friend or relative to let them know what has happened. If you are summoned to appear at court – you must attend.
