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Know your rights

All New Zealanders are entitled to basic human rights and freedoms to protect them from unlawful discrimination.

Human Rights Commission Te Kāhui Tika Tangata

The Human Rights Commission Te Kāhui Tika Tangata hold the responsibility to promote and protect the human rights of all people in Aotearoa New Zealand.  Their job is to:

  • Advocate and promote respect for human rights in New Zealand
  • Encourage harmonious relations between individuals and among the diverse groups in New Zealand
  • Lead, evaluate, monitor and advise on equal employment opportunities
  • Provide information to the public about discrimination and to help resolve complaints about discrimination

They offer two free, confidential services for public:

  • Human rights information and support
  • Dispute resolution

Find out more information about your human rights (external website)  

 

The Code of Health and Disability Services Consumers' Rights

When you use a health or disability service in New Zealand, you have rights.  The Code of Health and Disability Services Consumers' Rights (the Code) establishes the rights of consumers, and the obligations and duties of providers to comply with the Code.  The Code provides the following 10 rights:

1. The right to be treated with respect.
2. The right to freedom from discrimination, coercion, harassment, and exploitation.
3. The right to dignity and independence.
4. The right to services of an appropriate standard.
5. The right to effective communication.
6. The right to be fully informed.
7. The right to make an informed choice and give informed consent.
8. The right to support.
9. Rights in respect of teaching or research.
10. The right to complain.

Find more information about The Code of Health and Disability Services Consumers' Rights (external website)

Find out more about your rights when you use a health or disability service (external website)

  

Other services that can help with your rights

There are other feedback and complaints services available to help exercise your rights. 

You can access these independently or you can contact us for support to help navigate these feedback and complaints processes. 

Find out about other feedback and complaints services 

 

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