Human Rights Commission

The Right to Sign: New Zealand Sign Language and Human Rights

The Commission is conducting an inquiry into use and and promotion of New Zealand Sign Language as an official language of New Zealand. Click here to find out more. 

Information available in New Zealand Sign Language

Information about what the Commission does and how to make a complaint  is available in New Zealand Sign Language (NZSL).

Tell us your dream

Complete the sentence “My Dream for Aotearoa New Zealand is…” and let the Human Rights Commission know what you most want New Zealand to be.

The Commission is supporting the Constitutional Advisory Panel with its consultation about New Zealand’s constitutional framework. Click here to find out more and share your dreams with us

A fair go for all?

It is clear that many thousands of New Zealanders miss out on opportunities for good health, education, work and an improved standard of living, based on their race or ethnicity, the colour of their skin, the country they or their family came from, and the language they speak at home. These pages look at the role structural discrimination (also known as institutional racism) may play in perpetuating these inequalities.

Have your say to the United Nations: UPR 13/14

New Zealand’s human rights performance will be examined by the United Nations in January 2014 under the Universal Periodic Review. Any interested NGOs, individuals, and civil society have until 17 June to make a submission, and the Commission is holding workshops to help you.

The Universal Periodic Review is an important opportunity for individuals, NGOs and civil society organisations to express their views on New Zealand’s human rights situation to the United Nations Human Rights Council. The Commission is running workshops on how you can have your say to the UPR and other United Nations treaty bodies.

Born Free and Equal

Check out our new cartoon guide to Human Rights, Sexual Orientation, Sex and Gender Identity, featuring artwork by the talented Sam Orchard. There’s also a handy guide to making sure that the rights of peoples of diverse sexual orientations, gender identities and sexes are respected in workplaces, schools and by service providers. Download it here or email resources@hrc.co.nz to order a copy.

Tell us your dream T shirts

Click here to buy these fabulous T shirts featuring our Race Relations Day artwork. Men’s and women’s styles, great value at $25!

Canterbury earthquake recovery

The Commission is committed to making sure that the rights of Canterbury residents, particularly those most vulnerable, are a key consideration in the post quake recovery. Find out more

Samoan Language Week: 26 May – 1 June

Fa’atalofa lava i Vaiaso o le Gagana Samoa / Samoan Language Week is celebrated from 26 May through to 1 June.

Samoan Language Week promotes the Samoan language for everyone through a range of initiatives, events and activities.

Find out what’s happening near you and see how you can join in.

Newsletters

Keep up to date with the Commission’s work with our e-newsletters on media and diversity, religious diversity, refugees, disabled people, the transgender inquiry, Te mana i Waitangi (available in English and te reo Maori) and more.

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