Under the Human Rights Act 1993, marital status is a prohibited ground of discrimination. This means an employer generally cannot:

Refuse to hire someone simply because they are single, married, or divorced. Marital status is one of the 13 prohibited grounds in section 21 of the Human Rights Act 1993. Treating someone unfairly because they are single, married, divorced, or in a civil union is generally unlawful.

Under the Human Rights Act 1993, refusing to rent a house to someone because of their race is:

Unlawful discrimination in the supply of accommodation. The Human Rights Act covers discrimination in the provision of land, housing, and accommodation. Refusing to rent to someone based on race is generally unlawful.

Under the Human Rights Act 1993, refusing to enrol a child in a public school because of their disability is generally:

Unlawful discrimination in the area of education. The Human Rights Act covers discrimination in education. Refusing to enrol a student on a prohibited ground such as disability is generally unlawful, with limited exceptions.

The Human Rights Commission's te reo Maori name is:

Te Kahui Tika Tangata. The Human Rights Commission is known in te reo Maori as Te Kahui Tika Tangata. Its website is at tikatangata.org.nz.

In New Zealand, the Human Rights Commission can:

Provide information, advice, and free mediation in discrimination cases. The Human Rights Commission gives information, advocates for human rights, and offers free, confidential mediation. It does not decide cases or order remedies; that is done by the Human Rights Review Tribunal.

Under the Human Rights Act 1993, the prohibited grounds of discrimination include:

Sex, race, age, disability, religious belief, and sexual orientation. The Act lists 13 grounds in section 21, including sex, race, age, disability, religious belief, ethical belief, sexual orientation, and others.

In New Zealand, who can make a complaint to the Human Rights Commission about discrimination?

Anyone who believes they have been treated unfairly on a prohibited ground. Anyone who thinks they have been discriminated against on a prohibited ground can contact the Human Rights Commission. The service is free and confidential.

Which act is New Zealand's main law against discrimination in everyday life?

The Human Rights Act 1993. The Human Rights Act 1993 protects people from unfair discrimination in areas like work, housing, and access to goods and services.

Which of these is a "prohibited ground of discrimination" under the Human Rights Act 1993?

Race. Race, colour, and ethnic or national origin are prohibited grounds of discrimination under the Human Rights Act 1993.

Under New Zealand law, can an employer refuse to hire someone because of their religion?

No, religious belief is a prohibited ground of discrimination. Religious belief is a prohibited ground of discrimination under the Human Rights Act 1993. Employers cannot refuse to hire someone just because of their religion.

What body in New Zealand helps people who think they have been discriminated against?

The Human Rights Commission. The Human Rights Commission promotes and protects human rights in New Zealand and can help people raise discrimination complaints.

Under the Human Rights Act 1993, "ethical belief" is defined as:

The lack of a religious belief, whether by reason of having considered the matter or not. Section 21 of the Human Rights Act includes ethical belief, which means the lack of a religious belief. It sits alongside religious belief as a prohibited ground.

Under the Human Rights Act 1993, "family status" includes which of the following?

Having the responsibility for part-time or full-time care of children or other dependants. Family status is one of the prohibited grounds in section 21. It covers things like being a parent, having care of children, or being a relative of a particular person.

Under the Human Rights Act 1993, "employment status" as a prohibited ground covers:

Being unemployed, or being a recipient of a benefit or accident compensation. Employment status is a prohibited ground. It covers being unemployed and receiving a benefit or compensation under the Accident Compensation Act.

A shop refuses to serve a customer because of the customer's ethnic origin. Under the Human Rights Act, this is most likely:

Unlawful discrimination in the provision of goods and services. It is unlawful for a person who supplies goods, services, or facilities to the public to refuse to supply them on a prohibited ground such as ethnic or national origin.

Where do most discrimination complaints under the Human Rights Act 1993 first go?

To the Human Rights Commission, which offers free dispute resolution and mediation. The Human Rights Commission (Te Kahui Tika Tangata) takes complaints and can offer free, confidential mediation. The Commission does not take sides.

Under the Human Rights Act 1993, "sex" as a prohibited ground includes:

Pregnancy and childbirth, which are expressly included in the section 21 definition. Section 21 expressly includes pregnancy and childbirth in the definition of sex. So treating someone unfairly because they are pregnant counts as sex discrimination.

Under the Human Rights Act 1993, "age" as a prohibited ground generally protects people who are:

16 years or over (with limits in some areas such as work and welfare). Age discrimination protections under section 21 generally cover people from age 16 upwards. There are exceptions, for example for some superannuation and welfare rules.

Under the Human Rights Act 1993, "disability" as a prohibited ground includes:

Physical, intellectual, and psychological disability, and the presence of organisms causing illness. Section 21 defines disability broadly. It includes physical, psychiatric, intellectual, and learning disabilities, illness, loss of organ function, and the presence of organisms causing illness.

Treating someone badly because they have made, or supported, a complaint under the Human Rights Act 1993 is called:

Victimisation, which is itself unlawful under the Act. Section 66 makes victimisation unlawful. You cannot be treated less favourably because you have made a complaint, given evidence, or otherwise supported a Human Rights Act process.

A bus company refuses to let a guide dog board with a blind passenger. Under the Human Rights Act, this is most likely:

Unlawful disability discrimination in the supply of services. Refusing service to a person who relies on a guide dog or assistance animal is generally disability discrimination under the Human Rights Act. Service providers must make reasonable accommodations.

Under the Human Rights Act 1993, "political opinion" as a prohibited ground means:

The lack of a particular political opinion is also covered, not only its presence. Section 21 includes political opinion, which the Act says includes the lack of a particular political opinion. So you cannot be treated unfairly for not holding one.

When testing whether the government has discriminated, the New Zealand Human Rights Act applies the standards from:

The Bill of Rights Act, including the limits test in section 5 of that Act. Part 1A of the Human Rights Act 1993 (sections 20I onwards), inserted by the Human Rights Amendment Act 2001, links discrimination by the government to the Bill of Rights Act framework, including the section 5 test of justified limits on rights.

A landlord posts a flatmate ad that says "no Asians please". Under the Human Rights Act, this advertisement is most likely:

Unlawful discrimination in advertising on the ground of race or ethnic origin. Section 67 makes it unlawful to publish an advertisement that signals an intent to discriminate on a prohibited ground. There are limited exceptions for shared homes where the landlord lives in the property.

Under the Human Rights Act 1993, an employer's duty to make reasonable accommodation generally applies most clearly to:

Employees with disabilities, where reasonable adjustments allow them to do the job. The Human Rights Act expects employers to make reasonable accommodations for employees with disabilities so they can do the job, unless this would cause unreasonable disruption to the employer's activities.

A bank refuses to give a loan only to people from a particular ethnic background. Under the Human Rights Act, this is most likely:

Unlawful race or ethnic origin discrimination in the supply of services. Banks supply services to the public. Refusing services on a prohibited ground such as race or ethnic origin is unlawful under the Human Rights Act.

In New Zealand, the Human Rights Act 1993 prohibits discrimination in access to public places, vehicles, and facilities. This includes:

Places that the public is entitled to use, such as parks, shops, and public transport. Section 42 covers discrimination in access to places, vehicles, and facilities the public is entitled or allowed to enter or use. It applies broadly across public life.

Under the Human Rights Act 1993, "religious belief" as a prohibited ground:

Covers many beliefs and is recognised alongside ethical belief in section 21. Section 21 includes religious belief and ethical belief as separate but connected grounds. The protection is broad and not limited to specific named religions.

Under the Human Rights Act 1993, "colour" is a prohibited ground that is listed:

Separately from race and from ethnic or national origins in section 21. Section 21 lists colour, race, and ethnic or national origins as three separate related grounds. All three are prohibited grounds of discrimination.

Which of these is a prohibited ground of discrimination under the Human Rights Act 1993?

Disability. Disability is a prohibited ground of discrimination, along with sex, race, age, religion, sexual orientation, and several other grounds.

Under the Human Rights Act, which of these counts as a prohibited ground of discrimination?

Sexual orientation. Sexual orientation is a prohibited ground of discrimination under the Human Rights Act 1993.

Under the Human Rights Act, age is:

A prohibited ground of discrimination, with some specific exceptions. Age is a prohibited ground of discrimination, but there are limited exceptions, for example for some kinds of work, retirement villages, and welfare benefits.

The Human Rights Act protects against discrimination in which areas?

Employment, education, housing, and access to goods and services. The Human Rights Act covers many areas of public life, including work, education, housing, and access to goods and services such as shops and banks.

Sexual harassment in the workplace is:

Banned by the Human Rights Act and Employment Relations Act. Sexual harassment is unlawful in many areas, including work and education. Both the Human Rights Act and the Employment Relations Act provide protection.

If a New Zealand employer pays a man more than a woman for the same work, that is:

Generally unlawful under the Equal Pay Act and Human Rights Act. Paying different rates for the same or substantially similar work because of sex is generally unlawful under the Equal Pay Act 1972 and the Human Rights Act 1993.

In New Zealand, the Human Rights Review Tribunal:

Is an independent specialist court that hears cases under the Human Rights Act. The Human Rights Review Tribunal is independent of the Human Rights Commission. It can hear cases under the Human Rights Act 1993, the Privacy Act 2020, and the Health and Disability Commissioner Act 1994.

Under New Zealand's Human Rights Act, sexual harassment is unlawful in:

Many areas of public life, including employment, education, and the supply of goods, services, and accommodation. Section 62 of the Human Rights Act 1993 makes sexual harassment unlawful in employment. Other parts of the Act cover education, the supply of goods and services, accommodation, and access to public places.

Under New Zealand's Human Rights Act, racial harassment in employment is unlawful when conduct is:

Hurtful, harmful, or offensive on grounds of colour, race, or ethnic or national origin. Section 63 of the Human Rights Act 1993 makes racial harassment in employment unlawful. It covers language or behaviour that is hurtful or offensive on grounds of colour, race, or ethnic or national origin.

In New Zealand human rights law, indirect discrimination occurs when:

A rule or practice that looks neutral has an unfair effect on people with a protected ground. Indirect discrimination is when a rule, practice, or condition that appears neutral actually disadvantages people with a protected characteristic, and the rule cannot be objectively justified. Section 65 covers this.

Under the Human Rights Act 1993, an employer can lawfully treat people differently based on sex if:

Being of a particular sex is a genuine occupational qualification for authenticity reasons. The Act allows narrow exceptions where being of a particular sex is a genuine occupational qualification, for example for authenticity in acting roles or for privacy reasons.

If mediation at the Human Rights Commission does not resolve a complaint, the next step is usually:

The complainant can take the case to the Human Rights Review Tribunal. If a complaint cannot be resolved through mediation, the complainant can take the case to the Human Rights Review Tribunal, sometimes with help from the Office of Human Rights Proceedings.

In New Zealand, the Office of Human Rights Proceedings (OHRP):

Provides free legal representation in some Human Rights Review Tribunal cases. The Director of Human Rights Proceedings can provide free legal representation to complainants in some cases at the Human Rights Review Tribunal.

Under the Human Rights Act 1993, sexual harassment in employment can include which of the following?

Unwelcome and offensive sexual requests, language, or behaviour at work. Section 62 covers unwelcome or offensive sexual requests, behaviour, or language that are harmful or detrimental to the employee. The conduct does not need to be repeated to count.

In New Zealand, complaints under the Human Rights Act 1993 about a public-sector body (such as a Crown entity) are:

Treated separately under the Bill of Rights Act framework, with section 5 limits. Part 1A of the Human Rights Act applies to actions of the legislative, executive, and judicial branches and bodies performing public functions. The standard reflects the Bill of Rights Act, including section 5.

A complaint about how a public hospital has treated a patient is most likely to fall under:

The Health and Disability Commissioner's Code of Rights, with possible Tribunal action. Health and disability service complaints usually go to the Health and Disability Commissioner first, under the Code of Health and Disability Services Consumers' Rights. Some matters can later go to the Human Rights Review Tribunal.

Which act is New Zealand's main human rights law against discrimination?

The Human Rights Act 1993. The Human Rights Act 1993 is New Zealand's main law against discrimination. It works alongside the Bill of Rights Act, which protects civil and political rights.

How many prohibited grounds of discrimination are listed in the Human Rights Act 1993?

13. Section 21 lists 13 prohibited grounds, including sex, marital status, religious belief, ethical belief, colour, race, ethnic or national origins, disability, age, political opinion, employment status, family status, and sexual orientation.

Under the Human Rights Act 1993, which of these is NOT one of the prohibited grounds of discrimination?

Star sign. Star sign is not a ground of discrimination. Religious belief, family status, and political opinion are all listed in section 21 of the Human Rights Act 1993.

Under the Human Rights Act 1993, "racial harassment" is unlawful if:

It uses language or behaviour that is hurtful, harmful, or offensive on the grounds of colour, race, or ethnic or national origin. Racial harassment is unlawful in many areas of public life. It includes hurtful or offensive language or behaviour about a person's colour, race, or ethnic or national origin.

In New Zealand, an employer who treats a pregnant worker unfairly because of her pregnancy is most likely breaching:

The Human Rights Act 1993 (sex discrimination, which includes pregnancy and childbirth). Section 21 of the Human Rights Act 1993 includes sex as a prohibited ground, which expressly covers pregnancy and childbirth. Employers cannot treat workers unfairly for being pregnant.

Topic · 50 practice questions

Human rights

Last updated 12 May 2026

Human rights is one of the six topic areas govt.nz lists for the New Zealand citizenship test. It mostly draws on the Human Rights Act 1993, which makes it unlawful to discriminate on grounds like sex, race, age, disability, religion, and family status. The questions below are practice questions written from publicly available guidance, not the real test.

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What this topic covers

The Human Rights Act 1993 and what it does
Prohibited grounds of discrimination
Where the Act applies (employment, education, goods and services, housing)
The Human Rights Commission and how complaints are handled
How human rights connect to the Bill of Rights Act 1990

Note: Official study materials are not out yet. These are unofficial practice questions to help you get familiar with the topic area.

Practice questions (50)

Question 1

Under the Human Rights Act 1993, marital status is a prohibited ground of discrimination. This means an employer generally cannot:
- A Pay staff according to the qualifications and experience listed in their CV
- B Refuse to hire someone simply because they are single, married, or divorced Correct
- C Ask a job applicant about the work duties listed in the job advertisement
- D Set a normal start time and finish time for the working day at the office
Why

Marital status is one of the 13 prohibited grounds in section 21 of the Human Rights Act 1993. Treating someone unfairly because they are single, married, divorced, or in a civil union is generally unlawful.

Source: www.legislation.govt.nz
Question 2

Under the Human Rights Act 1993, refusing to rent a house to someone because of their race is:
- A Allowed if the landlord has not used a property manager or letting agency
- B Unlawful discrimination in the supply of accommodation Correct
- C Allowed if the rental is held on a short fixed-term tenancy of one year
- D Allowed if the property is owned by an individual rather than a company
Why

The Human Rights Act covers discrimination in the provision of land, housing, and accommodation. Refusing to rent to someone based on race is generally unlawful.

Source: www.legislation.govt.nz
Question 3

Under the Human Rights Act 1993, refusing to enrol a child in a public school because of their disability is generally:
- A Allowed if the school has more than 500 students currently on the school roll
- B Unlawful discrimination in the area of education Correct
- C Allowed if the school has not yet had a chance to update its facilities for access
- D Allowed if a school management committee passes a written motion at a meeting
Why

The Human Rights Act covers discrimination in education. Refusing to enrol a student on a prohibited ground such as disability is generally unlawful, with limited exceptions.

Source: www.legislation.govt.nz
Question 4

The Human Rights Commission's te reo Maori name is:
- A Te Tari Taiwhenua, which is the same name used by Internal Affairs in NZ
- B Te Kahui Tika Tangata Correct
- C Te Kooti Mana Nui, which is the te reo name of the Supreme Court of NZ
- D Aotearoa Tika, the te reo name for the Office of Human Rights Proceedings
Why

The Human Rights Commission is known in te reo Maori as Te Kahui Tika Tangata. Its website is at tikatangata.org.nz.

Source: tikatangata.org.nz
Question 5

In New Zealand, the Human Rights Commission can:
- A Order an employer to pay damages directly to a worker without any hearing
- B Provide information, advice, and free mediation in discrimination cases Correct
- C Send Police officers to make an arrest in any discrimination dispute
- D Issue binding decisions that override decisions made by any court of NZ
Why

The Human Rights Commission gives information, advocates for human rights, and offers free, confidential mediation. It does not decide cases or order remedies; that is done by the Human Rights Review Tribunal.

Source: tikatangata.org.nz
Question 6

Under the Human Rights Act 1993, the prohibited grounds of discrimination include:
- A Star sign, hair colour, height, and the type of mobile phone owned by a person
- B Sex, race, age, disability, religious belief, and sexual orientation Correct
- C Only nationality and country of birth, with no other ground recognised in NZ law
- D Only discrimination based on race or skin colour, and no other personal characteristic
Why

The Act lists 13 grounds in section 21, including sex, race, age, disability, religious belief, ethical belief, sexual orientation, and others.

Source: www.legislation.govt.nz
Question 7

In New Zealand, who can make a complaint to the Human Rights Commission about discrimination?
- A Only New Zealand citizens who are aged 18 or over and on the electoral roll
- B Anyone who believes they have been treated unfairly on a prohibited ground Correct
- C Only employees of public service departments and Crown entity workers
- D Only people whose first language is English or te reo Maori in NZ
Why

Anyone who thinks they have been discriminated against on a prohibited ground can contact the Human Rights Commission. The service is free and confidential.

Source: tikatangata.org.nz
Question 8

Which act is New Zealand's main law against discrimination in everyday life?
- A The Crimes Act 1961
- B The Human Rights Act 1993 Correct
- C The Employment Relations Act 2000
- D The Health Act 1956
Why

The Human Rights Act 1993 protects people from unfair discrimination in areas like work, housing, and access to goods and services.

Source: tikatangata.org.nz
Question 9

Which of these is a "prohibited ground of discrimination" under the Human Rights Act 1993?
- A Favourite sports team
- B Race Correct
- C Music taste
- D Hair colour
Why

Race, colour, and ethnic or national origin are prohibited grounds of discrimination under the Human Rights Act 1993.

Source: www.legislation.govt.nz
Question 10

Under New Zealand law, can an employer refuse to hire someone because of their religion?
- A Yes, employers can choose anyone they like for any reason
- B No, religious belief is a prohibited ground of discrimination Correct
- C Only large employers must follow this rule
- D Only government employers must follow this rule
Why

Religious belief is a prohibited ground of discrimination under the Human Rights Act 1993. Employers cannot refuse to hire someone just because of their religion.

Source: www.legislation.govt.nz
Question 11

What body in New Zealand helps people who think they have been discriminated against?
- A The Reserve Bank
- B The Human Rights Commission Correct
- C The Electoral Commission
- D The Tax Office
Why

The Human Rights Commission promotes and protects human rights in New Zealand and can help people raise discrimination complaints.

Source: tikatangata.org.nz
Question 12 · medium

Under the Human Rights Act 1993, "ethical belief" is defined as:
- A The lack of a religious belief, whether by reason of having considered the matter or not Correct
- B A belief in any kind of conspiracy theory shared widely on social media in NZ
- C A formal membership of any registered political party in NZ at the time of the act
- D A general belief in good behaviour at work or in the public service of NZ
Why

Section 21 of the Human Rights Act includes ethical belief, which means the lack of a religious belief. It sits alongside religious belief as a prohibited ground.

Source: www.legislation.govt.nz
Question 13 · medium

Under the Human Rights Act 1993, "family status" includes which of the following?
- A The colour of car that a person drives to work each day or weekend
- B Having the responsibility for part-time or full-time care of children or other dependants Correct
- C The total combined annual income of all members of a person's household
- D The size and value of the home owned by the family in any council area
Why

Family status is one of the prohibited grounds in section 21. It covers things like being a parent, having care of children, or being a relative of a particular person.

Source: www.legislation.govt.nz
Question 14 · medium

Under the Human Rights Act 1993, "employment status" as a prohibited ground covers:
- A The brand of work uniform that an employer chooses to provide to staff each year
- B Being unemployed, or being a recipient of a benefit or accident compensation Correct
- C The total years of paid work experience listed on a person's full job CV
- D The names of past employers that a person has listed as referees in writing
Why

Employment status is a prohibited ground. It covers being unemployed and receiving a benefit or compensation under the Accident Compensation Act.

Source: www.legislation.govt.nz
Question 15 · medium

A shop refuses to serve a customer because of the customer's ethnic origin. Under the Human Rights Act, this is most likely:
- A Unlawful discrimination in the provision of goods and services Correct
- B A private business decision that the law does not regulate at all
- C Allowed if the shop posts the rule clearly on the front door of the store
- D Allowed if the customer is just visiting and is not a New Zealand citizen
Why

It is unlawful for a person who supplies goods, services, or facilities to the public to refuse to supply them on a prohibited ground such as ethnic or national origin.

Source: www.legislation.govt.nz
Question 16 · medium

Where do most discrimination complaints under the Human Rights Act 1993 first go?
- A Straight to the High Court for a hearing before a single judge in chambers
- B To the Human Rights Commission, which offers free dispute resolution and mediation Correct
- C To the New Zealand Police, who lay criminal charges against the alleged discriminator
- D To Inland Revenue, which deducts a fixed penalty from the discriminator's tax record
Why

The Human Rights Commission (Te Kahui Tika Tangata) takes complaints and can offer free, confidential mediation. The Commission does not take sides.

Source: tikatangata.org.nz
Question 17 · medium

Under the Human Rights Act 1993, "sex" as a prohibited ground includes:
- A Pregnancy and childbirth, which are expressly included in the section 21 definition Correct
- B Only differences in pay between men and women working in the same role at the same firm
- C Only the gender shown on a person's passport or current driver licence
- D The relationship status of a person, such as being single or married at the time
Why

Section 21 expressly includes pregnancy and childbirth in the definition of sex. So treating someone unfairly because they are pregnant counts as sex discrimination.

Source: www.legislation.govt.nz
Question 18 · medium

Under the Human Rights Act 1993, "age" as a prohibited ground generally protects people who are:
- A 16 years or over (with limits in some areas such as work and welfare) Correct
- B Only people aged 65 or over, around the standard retirement age in NZ
- C Only people in primary or secondary school education at any age
- D Only people aged exactly 18, 21, 25, or other set milestone ages
Why

Age discrimination protections under section 21 generally cover people from age 16 upwards. There are exceptions, for example for some superannuation and welfare rules.

Source: www.legislation.govt.nz
Question 19 · medium

Under the Human Rights Act 1993, "disability" as a prohibited ground includes:
- A Only physical disabilities that are visible to other people in public places
- B Physical, intellectual, and psychological disability, and the presence of organisms causing illness Correct
- C Only conditions that have been diagnosed by a registered medical doctor in NZ
- D Only those disabilities listed in a special schedule of the Health Act 1956
Why

Section 21 defines disability broadly. It includes physical, psychiatric, intellectual, and learning disabilities, illness, loss of organ function, and the presence of organisms causing illness.

Source: www.legislation.govt.nz
Question 20 · medium

Treating someone badly because they have made, or supported, a complaint under the Human Rights Act 1993 is called:
- A Indirect discrimination, which is dealt with by the Privacy Commissioner only
- B Victimisation, which is itself unlawful under the Act Correct
- C Defamation, which is dealt with under the law of torts in the High Court
- D A normal employment dispute that has no special protection in NZ law at all
Why

Section 66 makes victimisation unlawful. You cannot be treated less favourably because you have made a complaint, given evidence, or otherwise supported a Human Rights Act process.

Source: www.legislation.govt.nz
Question 21 · medium

A bus company refuses to let a guide dog board with a blind passenger. Under the Human Rights Act, this is most likely:
- A Allowed because the dog is not a passenger and does not hold any ticket of its own
- B Unlawful disability discrimination in the supply of services Correct
- C Allowed if the bus is full of other passengers in the seats and standing area
- D Allowed if the company posts a "no animals" sign in the front window of the bus
Why

Refusing service to a person who relies on a guide dog or assistance animal is generally disability discrimination under the Human Rights Act. Service providers must make reasonable accommodations.

Source: tikatangata.org.nz
Question 22 · medium

Under the Human Rights Act 1993, "political opinion" as a prohibited ground means:
- A Only the opinions of MPs and other elected officials at central or local level
- B The lack of a particular political opinion is also covered, not only its presence Correct
- C Only the political opinion of a registered party member with a paid membership
- D Only opinions about election laws, expressed during an active election campaign
Why

Section 21 includes political opinion, which the Act says includes the lack of a particular political opinion. So you cannot be treated unfairly for not holding one.

Source: www.legislation.govt.nz
Question 23 · medium

When testing whether the government has discriminated, the New Zealand Human Rights Act applies the standards from:
- A The Bill of Rights Act, including the limits test in section 5 of that Act Correct
- B Standards that are lower than those for private individuals or businesses in NZ
- C Rules decided by the Prime Minister of the day for each new piece of legislation
- D The same rules used for discrimination by overseas governments operating in NZ
Why

Part 1A of the Human Rights Act 1993 (sections 20I onwards), inserted by the Human Rights Amendment Act 2001, links discrimination by the government to the Bill of Rights Act framework, including the section 5 test of justified limits on rights.

Source: www.legislation.govt.nz
Question 24 · medium

A landlord posts a flatmate ad that says "no Asians please". Under the Human Rights Act, this advertisement is most likely:
- A Allowed because the landlord is choosing a personal flatmate, not running a business
- B Unlawful discrimination in advertising on the ground of race or ethnic origin Correct
- C Allowed if the property is rented out for less than six months at a time only
- D Allowed if the landlord uses an online platform rather than a printed newspaper ad
Why

Section 67 makes it unlawful to publish an advertisement that signals an intent to discriminate on a prohibited ground. There are limited exceptions for shared homes where the landlord lives in the property.

Source: www.legislation.govt.nz
Question 25 · medium

Under the Human Rights Act 1993, an employer's duty to make reasonable accommodation generally applies most clearly to:
- A Employees who simply prefer flexible hours for personal lifestyle reasons
- B Employees with disabilities, where reasonable adjustments allow them to do the job Correct
- C Only employees who have worked for the same employer for at least ten years
- D Only employees who are New Zealand citizens by birth, not by grant
Why

The Human Rights Act expects employers to make reasonable accommodations for employees with disabilities so they can do the job, unless this would cause unreasonable disruption to the employer's activities.

Source: www.legislation.govt.nz
Question 26 · medium

A bank refuses to give a loan only to people from a particular ethnic background. Under the Human Rights Act, this is most likely:
- A Allowed because banks are private businesses with full discretion over lending
- B Unlawful race or ethnic origin discrimination in the supply of services Correct
- C Allowed if the loan amount is more than one hundred thousand New Zealand dollars
- D Allowed if the bank is owned by an overseas parent company headquartered offshore
Why

Banks supply services to the public. Refusing services on a prohibited ground such as race or ethnic origin is unlawful under the Human Rights Act.

Source: www.legislation.govt.nz
Question 27 · medium

In New Zealand, the Human Rights Act 1993 prohibits discrimination in access to public places, vehicles, and facilities. This includes:
- A Only buildings owned and operated directly by central government departments in NZ
- B Places that the public is entitled to use, such as parks, shops, and public transport Correct
- C Only government buildings located inside the official capital city of New Zealand
- D Private homes and premises that are open to invited friends and family only
Why

Section 42 covers discrimination in access to places, vehicles, and facilities the public is entitled or allowed to enter or use. It applies broadly across public life.

Source: www.legislation.govt.nz
Question 28 · medium

Under the Human Rights Act 1993, "religious belief" as a prohibited ground:
- A Covers only the major world religions specifically named in the Act
- B Covers many beliefs and is recognised alongside ethical belief in section 21 Correct
- C Covers only religions registered with the Department of Internal Affairs in NZ
- D Covers only beliefs held by people who attend a place of worship at least weekly
Why

Section 21 includes religious belief and ethical belief as separate but connected grounds. The protection is broad and not limited to specific named religions.

Source: www.legislation.govt.nz
Question 29 · medium

Under the Human Rights Act 1993, "colour" is a prohibited ground that is listed:
- A Only in relation to the colour of clothing worn at work or in public places
- B Separately from race and from ethnic or national origins in section 21 Correct
- C Only as a sub-section under disability in section 21 of the Act
- D Together with eye colour and hair colour, all as one combined ground
Why

Section 21 lists colour, race, and ethnic or national origins as three separate related grounds. All three are prohibited grounds of discrimination.

Source: www.legislation.govt.nz
Question 30 · medium

Which of these is a prohibited ground of discrimination under the Human Rights Act 1993?
- A Star sign
- B Disability Correct
- C Favourite food
- D Football team
Why

Disability is a prohibited ground of discrimination, along with sex, race, age, religion, sexual orientation, and several other grounds.

Source: www.legislation.govt.nz
Question 31 · medium

Under the Human Rights Act, which of these counts as a prohibited ground of discrimination?
- A Eye colour
- B Sexual orientation Correct
- C Type of car owned
- D Music taste
Why

Sexual orientation is a prohibited ground of discrimination under the Human Rights Act 1993.

Source: www.legislation.govt.nz
Question 32 · medium

Under the Human Rights Act, age is:
- A Never a prohibited ground of discrimination at work or in education
- B A prohibited ground of discrimination, with some specific exceptions Correct
- C Only a prohibited ground of discrimination for people aged over 70 today
- D Only a prohibited ground of discrimination in tertiary education enrolment
Why

Age is a prohibited ground of discrimination, but there are limited exceptions, for example for some kinds of work, retirement villages, and welfare benefits.

Source: www.legislation.govt.nz
Question 33 · medium

The Human Rights Act protects against discrimination in which areas?
- A Only in employment within the public service sector
- B Employment, education, housing, and access to goods and services Correct
- C Only in private home life and family relationships
- D Only in dealings between citizens and the central government
Why

The Human Rights Act covers many areas of public life, including work, education, housing, and access to goods and services such as shops and banks.

Source: tikatangata.org.nz
Question 34 · medium

Sexual harassment in the workplace is:
- A Allowed if both parties later treat it as a workplace joke
- B Banned by the Human Rights Act and Employment Relations Act Correct
- C Only banned in jobs within central government departments
- D Only banned for managers and senior staff above a level
Why

Sexual harassment is unlawful in many areas, including work and education. Both the Human Rights Act and the Employment Relations Act provide protection.

Source: tikatangata.org.nz
Question 35 · medium

If a New Zealand employer pays a man more than a woman for the same work, that is:
- A Generally allowed if both employees signed the contract
- B Generally unlawful under the Equal Pay Act and Human Rights Act Correct
- C Only an issue if a customer makes a written complaint
- D Generally allowed in private companies but not state ones
Why

Paying different rates for the same or substantially similar work because of sex is generally unlawful under the Equal Pay Act 1972 and the Human Rights Act 1993.

Source: www.employment.govt.nz
Question 36 · hard

In New Zealand, the Human Rights Review Tribunal:
- A Is part of the Human Rights Commission and shares the same staff and buildings as it
- B Is an independent specialist court that hears cases under the Human Rights Act Correct
- C Decides only minor parking and noise complaints under local council bylaws
- D Has the power to deport non-citizens who breach the Human Rights Act 1993
Why

The Human Rights Review Tribunal is independent of the Human Rights Commission. It can hear cases under the Human Rights Act 1993, the Privacy Act 2020, and the Health and Disability Commissioner Act 1994.

Source: www.justice.govt.nz
Question 37 · hard

Under New Zealand's Human Rights Act, sexual harassment is unlawful in:
- A Only inside licensed premises during open trading hours under the alcohol law
- B Many areas of public life, including employment, education, and the supply of goods, services, and accommodation Correct
- C Only employment in central government departments and Crown entities only
- D Only sport and recreation clubs that are formally registered as incorporated societies
Why

Section 62 of the Human Rights Act 1993 makes sexual harassment unlawful in employment. Other parts of the Act cover education, the supply of goods and services, accommodation, and access to public places.

Source: www.legislation.govt.nz
Question 38 · hard

Under New Zealand's Human Rights Act, racial harassment in employment is unlawful when conduct is:
- A Hurtful, harmful, or offensive on grounds of colour, race, or ethnic or national origin Correct
- B Based on a person's favourite sports team or favourite music genre played at work
- C About an employee's chosen lunch foods or favourite drinks bought from a cafe nearby
- D Carried out only outside work hours and outside any work setting on personal time
Why

Section 63 of the Human Rights Act 1993 makes racial harassment in employment unlawful. It covers language or behaviour that is hurtful or offensive on grounds of colour, race, or ethnic or national origin.

Source: www.legislation.govt.nz
Question 39 · hard

In New Zealand human rights law, indirect discrimination occurs when:
- A A rule or practice that looks neutral has an unfair effect on people with a protected ground Correct
- B A person is openly told they will not be hired because of a personal characteristic
- C A complaint is filed in the wrong court or tribunal and gets dismissed on a technicality
- D A complaint is made about a private decision by a single individual at a private home
Why

Indirect discrimination is when a rule, practice, or condition that appears neutral actually disadvantages people with a protected characteristic, and the rule cannot be objectively justified. Section 65 covers this.

Source: www.legislation.govt.nz
Question 40 · hard

Under the Human Rights Act 1993, an employer can lawfully treat people differently based on sex if:
- A The employer simply prefers one sex over the other for a role on personal grounds
- B Being of a particular sex is a genuine occupational qualification for authenticity reasons Correct
- C The role is in a private company rather than a public-sector or Crown entity job
- D The role is paid by commission rather than by a fixed hourly wage or salary
Why

The Act allows narrow exceptions where being of a particular sex is a genuine occupational qualification, for example for authenticity in acting roles or for privacy reasons.

Source: www.legislation.govt.nz
Question 41 · hard

If mediation at the Human Rights Commission does not resolve a complaint, the next step is usually:
- A The matter is closed and no further action under the Act can ever be taken
- B The complainant can take the case to the Human Rights Review Tribunal Correct
- C The Human Rights Commission decides the case on the papers without a hearing
- D The matter is automatically referred to the District Court for sentencing
Why

If a complaint cannot be resolved through mediation, the complainant can take the case to the Human Rights Review Tribunal, sometimes with help from the Office of Human Rights Proceedings.

Source: www.justice.govt.nz
Question 42 · hard

In New Zealand, the Office of Human Rights Proceedings (OHRP):
- A Provides free legal representation in some Human Rights Review Tribunal cases Correct
- B Decides every discrimination complaint and issues binding orders against employers
- C Acts only as the prosecutor in criminal cases under the Crimes Act 1961
- D Replaces the Human Rights Review Tribunal in all cases involving public bodies
Why

The Director of Human Rights Proceedings can provide free legal representation to complainants in some cases at the Human Rights Review Tribunal.

Source: tikatangata.org.nz
Question 43 · hard

Under the Human Rights Act 1993, sexual harassment in employment can include which of the following?
- A Polite small talk between colleagues over a quick lunch in the staff room
- B Unwelcome and offensive sexual requests, language, or behaviour at work Correct
- C Routine performance feedback given during a normal yearly review meeting
- D Asking an employee to confirm their formal start time on the contract
Why

Section 62 covers unwelcome or offensive sexual requests, behaviour, or language that are harmful or detrimental to the employee. The conduct does not need to be repeated to count.

Source: www.legislation.govt.nz
Question 44 · hard

In New Zealand, complaints under the Human Rights Act 1993 about a public-sector body (such as a Crown entity) are:
- A Treated separately under the Bill of Rights Act framework, with section 5 limits Correct
- B Treated more leniently because public bodies are exempt from the Human Rights Act
- C Heard only by the High Court, sitting as a judge alone in chambers in private
- D Always referred to the Office of the Ombudsman before any other process can begin
Why

Part 1A of the Human Rights Act applies to actions of the legislative, executive, and judicial branches and bodies performing public functions. The standard reflects the Bill of Rights Act, including section 5.

Source: www.legislation.govt.nz
Question 45 · hard

A complaint about how a public hospital has treated a patient is most likely to fall under:
- A The Human Rights Act 1993 only, with no other complaint pathway available in NZ
- B The Health and Disability Commissioner's Code of Rights, with possible Tribunal action Correct
- C The Privacy Act only, regardless of the nature of the complaint about treatment
- D The Crimes Act 1961 only, treating the matter as a criminal offence in every case
Why

Health and disability service complaints usually go to the Health and Disability Commissioner first, under the Code of Health and Disability Services Consumers' Rights. Some matters can later go to the Human Rights Review Tribunal.

Source: www.hdc.org.nz
Question 46 · hard

Which act is New Zealand's main human rights law against discrimination?
- A The New Zealand Bill of Rights Act 1990
- B The Human Rights Act 1993 Correct
- C The Privacy Act 2020
- D The Equal Pay Act 1972
Why

The Human Rights Act 1993 is New Zealand's main law against discrimination. It works alongside the Bill of Rights Act, which protects civil and political rights.

Source: tikatangata.org.nz
Question 47 · hard

How many prohibited grounds of discrimination are listed in the Human Rights Act 1993?
- A 3
- B 7
- C 13 Correct
- D 50
Why

Section 21 lists 13 prohibited grounds, including sex, marital status, religious belief, ethical belief, colour, race, ethnic or national origins, disability, age, political opinion, employment status, family status, and sexual orientation.

Source: www.legislation.govt.nz
Question 48 · hard

Under the Human Rights Act 1993, which of these is NOT one of the prohibited grounds of discrimination?
- A Religious belief
- B Family status
- C Star sign Correct
- D Political opinion
Why

Star sign is not a ground of discrimination. Religious belief, family status, and political opinion are all listed in section 21 of the Human Rights Act 1993.

Source: www.legislation.govt.nz
Question 49 · hard

Under the Human Rights Act 1993, "racial harassment" is unlawful if:
- A It is done only inside a private home, behind closed doors, where no member of the public is able to witness or hear it
- B It uses language or behaviour that is hurtful, harmful, or offensive on the grounds of colour, race, or ethnic or national origin Correct
- C It involves any deliberate physical contact between the parties, regardless of the words used or the wider setting in which it took place
- D It happens during a major public event such as an All Blacks test match or other large sporting fixture in front of a crowd
Why

Racial harassment is unlawful in many areas of public life. It includes hurtful or offensive language or behaviour about a person's colour, race, or ethnic or national origin.

Source: www.legislation.govt.nz
Question 50 · hard

In New Zealand, an employer who treats a pregnant worker unfairly because of her pregnancy is most likely breaching:
- A The Land Transport Act 1998, in its rules on driver licensing and the suitability of company vehicles
- B The Human Rights Act 1993 (sex discrimination, which includes pregnancy and childbirth) Correct
- C The Crimes Act 1961, in its general provisions on assault and threatening behaviour at work
- D The Privacy Act 2020, in its rules on the handling of personal information by employers
Why

Section 21 of the Human Rights Act 1993 includes sex as a prohibited ground, which expressly covers pregnancy and childbirth. Employers cannot treat workers unfairly for being pregnant.

Source: www.legislation.govt.nz

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