FAQs

A section where we answer questions and comment on scenarios and popular topics.

Accommodating disability and religious beliefs

Can I ask an employer to make some changes to allow me to do my job if I have a disability or because of my religious belief?

Accommodation, property, landlords and human rights

Can a landlord refuse to let me a flat because of my age?
Can a real estate agent refuse to show me a rental property because I have children?
Can a vendor refuse to sell me their house because of my race?
Can a landlord specify their ideal tenant?

ACC and age discrimination

Can I get ACC if I am getting NZ Superannuation?

Isn’t having to choose between ACC and NZ Superannuation discrimination because of age?

Bullying, harassment and/or violence at school

What can the Human Rights Commission do about bullying, harassment and/or violence in schools? Where else can young people, parents and schools get support?

Caring for disabled adult family members

What does the ‘Parents as caregivers’ case mean for people looking after their disabled adult family members?

Clubs and the Human Rights Act

Can I be denied membership of a club?

English language only in the workplace

Can my employer say that only English is allowed to be spoken in our workplace?

Funeral arrangements

What is the law if family members disagree over the funeral arrangements of someone who has died?

Human Rights and Redundancy

What are my rights under the Human Rights Act if I am made redundant?

Job application questions

What can I be asked about when applying for a job?

Maori Party and the Human Rights Act

Why is the Maori Party not illegal as a racially-based organisation?

Moko: your rights

Can people refuse to serve me, or employ me, because I wear moko?

New Zealand’s official languages

What are New Zealand’s official languages and when can they be used?

Positive actions to achieve equality

Why can some groups be treated differently in some situations?

Prisoners’ rights

What rights do I have if I am in prison?

If I have a complaint about my treatment in prison what can I do?

Racially offensive comments

What can I do if someone makes a racially offensive comment about me?

What can I do when a public figure makes a racially offensive comment?

Reviewing decisions

Can the Commission review decisions made by organisations like ACC, Work and Income New Zealand and New Zealand Immigration Service?

The School Ball

Can the school stop me from going to the school ball on my own?

Can I take a partner of the same-sex to my school ball?

Smoking and human rights

Can an employer refuse to hire me if I smoke?

Are anti-smoking policies at work and in places like bars and restaurants legal?

What about my right to smoke?

Wearing cultural, religious or national items

Can I wear jewellery and/or other items that express my religion, culture or nationality to work or to school?

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