Youth legal rights NZ

29 Nov

Most teens and even adults in New Zealand have no idea what their legal rights are. I get teens frequently alarmed and shocked when I tell them it is illegal for them to have sex below the age of 16. So I have created a reference guide to your legal rights so you can stop being shocked and alarmed and be in the know instead.

Age	Your Legal Rights
14	You can babysit children
14	You can be left alone at home
14	You can be prosecuted for any criminal offence
16	You can get a learners licence
16	You can leave school and work full time
16	You can live with a partner
16	You can leave home without parental consent
16	Age of consent for sex, if you contract a sexually transmitted disease the doctor does not have to tell your parents
16	You can apply for certain benefits, such as the Independent Youth Benefit, Invalid’s Benefit and the Unemployment Benefit
16	You can decide what parent to live with (if separated)
16	You are entitled to an adult minimum wage unless you are an entrant or trainee
16	You can agree to or refuse medical treatment
16	You cannot be made to be treated for mental disorders without your consent (unless you are under a compulsory treatment order)
16	You can get a tattoo
16	You can apply for a firearms licence
16	You can get married or have a civil union with the consent of your parents
16	You can be expelled from school
17	You can get you full drivers licence
17	Police can question you without your parents consent but you still have the right to consult with a lawyer
17	If you are charged with a criminal offence you will appear in the District Court instead of the Youth Court
17	Child Youth and Family no longer get an order for your care and protection
17	You can join the Army, Navy or Airforce
18	You can get married without parental consent
18	You can legally be independent from your parents
18	You can enter into contracts
18	You are no longer entitled to free dental care
18	You can buy cigarettes
18	You can buy alcohol
18	You can enter bars, pubs and clubs
18	You can apply for the student allowance, Domestic Purposes Benefit or Sickness Benefit
18	You can buy firecrackers
18	You can open a cheque account or apply for a credit card
18	You can borrow money
18	You can join the Police Force
18	You can vote
18	You can make a will
18	You can be called for jury service
18	You can gamble and make bets
19	Your right to a free education ends
20	If you are adopted you can apply to Births Deaths and Marriages for a copy of your birth certificate (to find out your parents)
20	You can adopt a child if they are related to you
25	You can adopt a child if the child is 20 years younger

What things don’t have a legal age?

There are some things you have to do regardless of your age.

At any age you must

Wear a helmet on a bike
Wear your seatbelt or be in a child restraint when travelling in a vehicle

At any age you can

Get a passport
Travel overseas
Make a claim in the disputes tribunal
Have an abortion without your parents’ consent
Join a union
Negotiate an employment contract

At any age you have the right not to be discriminated against because of your sex, religious or ethical beliefs, sexual orientation, disability, political opinion, employment or family status, whether or not you are married.

For more information on your rights contact:

YouthLaw (0800 884 529)

Citizens Advice Bureau (0800 376 222)