🇳🇿 Your rights in New Zealand

Equal pay

The Equal Pay Act 1972 makes it unlawful for employers to pay women and men differently for the same or substantially similar work because of sex. The Human Rights Act 1993 and Employment Relations Act 2000 also protect you from sex discrimination in pay and conditions.

• Pay equity rules for female-dominated jobs, which compare work of equal value, were substantially changed in 2025, so check the current position before relying on them.
• Your employment agreement, collective agreement or union may give you further rights to information about pay.

If you think you are paid less because of your sex, raise it with your employer in writing. Employment New Zealand, the Human Rights Commission or your union can explain your options, and time limits apply.

Harassment at work

Sexual harassment at work is unlawful under the Employment Relations Act 2000 and the Human Rights Act 1993. Employers must take practicable steps to prevent harassment and act on complaints, including harassment by customers or clients.

• You can raise a personal grievance with your employer. This usually must be done within 90 days of the harassment happening or coming to your notice.
• You can also complain to the Human Rights Commission, which offers free dispute resolution.
• Health and safety law also requires employers to manage risks such as harassment.

You cannot pursue the same issue both as a personal grievance and under the Human Rights Act, so get advice on which route suits you. Keep a dated record of incidents and witnesses.

Pregnancy and maternity

It is unlawful to treat you less favourably because you are pregnant or on parental leave. The Parental Leave and Employment Protection Act 1987 protects your job while you are on leave and in many cases gives you the right to return to the same position.

• Eligible employees can take primary carer leave and extended leave, and may receive government-funded parental leave payments through Inland Revenue.
• You can take special leave for pregnancy-related appointments.
• Employers must provide breaks and, where practicable, facilities for breastfeeding.

Eligibility depends on how long and how many hours you have worked. Give your employer written notice of your leave and keep copies.

Flexible work

All employees have the right to request a flexible working arrangement at any time, including changes to hours, days or place of work.

• Make your request in writing and explain the change you want and how it could work.
• Your employer must respond in writing as soon as possible and within a set time limit.
• They can only refuse on recognised business grounds, such as cost, quality or difficulty reorganising work.

Employees affected by family violence can also request a short-term flexible arrangement and are entitled to paid family violence leave. If you think your request was not handled properly, you can contact Employment New Zealand or seek mediation.

Protection from domestic abuse

The Family Violence Act 2018 lets the Family Court make a protection order against a partner, family member or someone you share a household with. Family violence includes physical, sexual and psychological abuse, including coercive control.

• An order forbids the person from abusing you and usually from contacting you, and it also protects your children.
• Orders can be made urgently without notice to the other person if you are at risk.
• Breaching an order is a criminal offence.

Police can also issue a Police Safety Order requiring someone to leave the home for a short time. Women's Refuge and other services can help you apply. If you are in immediate danger, call 111.

Separation and divorce

In New Zealand, divorce is called dissolution of marriage and is granted by the Family Court. The only ground is that the marriage has broken down irreconcilably, shown by the couple having lived apart for two years.

• Relationship property is generally shared equally under the Property (Relationships) Act 1976, which also applies to de facto relationships of three years or more, with some exceptions.
• Parenting arrangements are based on the welfare and best interests of the child.
• Child support is usually assessed by Inland Revenue.

Family Dispute Resolution is often required before applying to court about care of children, except in urgent cases or where there is violence. You do not need to wait for a divorce to sort out property or parenting.

Legal aid and free legal help

Legal aid is available for some family, civil and criminal cases if you cannot afford a lawyer. It is administered by the Ministry of Justice and depends on your income, assets and the merits of your case. You may have to repay some or all of it later.

Other free help includes:

• Community Law Centres, which provide free legal advice and information across the country.
• Citizens Advice Bureau, for information and referrals.
• Duty lawyers at many courts.
• Your union, for workplace problems.

Some family law services, such as Family Legal Advice Service and Family Dispute Resolution, may be free for eligible people.