Overview

New Zealand is world renowned as a liberal and tolerant society. They do have enormous freedoms; however, there are certain laws that are strictly enforced for citizens’ health and safety. Some of these may differ from what you are used to depending on which country you come from so they are worth keeping in mind.

Drinking Law

The legal drinking age is 20 years old however; if you are married and in a bar with your spouse you can drink at the age of 18.  If you are under 18, you are not permit to buy alcohol or even enter a bar or a nightclub unless you are with a parent or guardian.  Alcohol is available to buy in most supermarkets and liquor shops, seven days a week. It is against the law to consume alcohol in public places. The penalty for breaking this law can be anywhere between NZ$200 to NZ$2000.

Drinking alcohol and driving

There are heavy penalties for driving under the influence of alcohol. Penalties range from instant fines to confiscation of your vehicle or even jail terms. You should also be aware that a conviction may also affect your Immigration Permit to remain in New Zealand.

Drink driving killed 135 people in New Zealand roads in 2004.The legal limit is 80miligrams of al alcohol for every 100mls of blood. The insurance company will also not cover you if you have an accident when under the influence of alcohol.

Drugs and Tobacco

In New Zealand it is against the law to buy, sell, use, import or possess certain drugs. These include Marijuana, Cocaine, Heroin and Ecstasy. Visitors to New Zealand who are caught with illegal drugs will be sent home and not allowed to come back to New Zealand again. Smoking in most public areas including shopping centres, public transport, pubs, bars and restaurants is banned throughout New Zealand. If you smoke please remember to go outside.

Firearms

You should leave all firearms in your country of origin until you have gained your permanent residence. You are then permitted to apply for a Firearms Licence and Permit to Import.

When you arrive in New Zealand, you must:
1. Declare all firearms to the New Zealand Customs Officials.
2. Declare all firearms to the New Zealand Police.
3. Apply to the Airport Police on arrival for a "Permit to Import".
4. Apply for a Tourist Firearm Licence, which is valid for one year.

Human Rights

It is illegal in New Zealand to discriminate on the basis of age, race, gender, disability, religion or sexual orientation.