Legislation and policy shape many parts of life for disabled people and their families. Legislation establishes legal rights and protections, while policy helps guide how those laws are interpreted and put into practice. Together, they influence access to support, how services are delivered, responsibilities of providers, and what options are available when things go wrong or do not meet expectations.
Understanding legislation and policy can help disabled people and whānau understand their rights, navigate services more confidently, challenge unfair decisions, and make informed choices about the support available to them. It can also help people recognise when systems are not working as they should, and understand the options for raising concerns, making complaints or advocating for change.
Legislation |
What it Does |
Why it Matters for Disabled People |
|---|---|---|
Human Rights Act 1993 |
Prohibits discrimination on several grounds, including disability. | Protects disabled people from unfair treatment in employment, education, access to public places, provision of goods and services, and housing. |
New Zealand Bill of Rights Act 1990 |
Affirms fundamental rights and freedoms, including the right to freedom from discrimination on prohibited grounds, including disability. | Protects disabled people’s right to be free from discrimination by public authorities. |
UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (UNCRPD) |
Sets international standards for equality, inclusion, dignity, and accessibility for all persons with disabilities. | Commits the New Zealand government to upholding rights, removing barriers, and promoting full participation. |
Education and Training Act 2020 |
Establishes the right to inclusive education. | Supports disabled learners to access learning support, adjustments, and equitable learning opportunities. |
Health and Disability Commissioner Act 1994 |
Establishes the framework for the Code of Health and Disability Services Consumers’ Rights. | Gives disabled people receiving health and disability services clear rights and provides a complaints and advocacy pathway if those rights are not upheld. |
ACC Act 2001 |
Provides compensation and rehabilitation support for injuries caused by accidents. | Offers rehabilitation, equipment, and support for people with accident-related impairments. |
Privacy Act 2020 |
Sets rules for how organisations collect, use, store, and disclose personal information. | Protects sensitive health and disability information and requires agencies to handle it responsibly. |
Building Act 2004 & Building Code |
Establishes accessibility requirements for buildings and public spaces. | Helps ensure environments are safe, usable, and accessible for people with a range of needs. |
Land Transport Act & Transport Rules |
Regulates road transport, vehicle standards, and road user requirements. Provides for accessibility and mobility parking. | Supports safe, accessible travel and mobility for disabled people. |
New Zealand Public Health and Disability Act 2000 |
Shapes the structure of the health and disability system. | Defines responsibilities of Health NZ and the Ministry of Disabled People. |
More information:
- Property Manager info
- Property Administrator info
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Health & Disability Commission links:
- Enduring Power of Attorney info
Human Rights Commission
The Human Rights Commission provides information, support, and complaint pathways on discrimination and other human rights issues in Aotearoa New Zealand. Its work includes disability rights, racism, equality, and dignity-based advocacy.
View Website 0800 496 877 Send EmailFacebook Instagram
Māngere Community Law Centre
Māngere Community Law Centre provides free legal help for people in the Māngere area who cannot afford a lawyer. It runs specialist clinics, advice lines, and legal education, and the centre notes that there are no law firms in Māngere, so the need for free legal help is high.
View Website 09 275 4310 Send Email
Nan Jensen – Better Lives Legal
Nan Jensen is a disability lawyer and director of Better Lives Legal. Her work focuses on disability law, including welfare and property matters, wills, trusts, enduring powers of attorney, and related disputes.
View Website 021 250 0315 Send Email
Office of the Ombudsman
The Ombudsman helps people deal with central and local government agencies in New Zealand. It investigates administrative unfairness, supports access to official information, and handles complaints about government agencies.
View Website 0800 802 602 Send EmailFacebook Instagram
Public Trust
Public Trust helps New Zealanders with wills, enduring powers of attorney, trusts, estate administration, and related legal and financial matters. It provides both planning and estate-management services.
View Website 0800 371 471 Send EmailFacebook Instagram
Waitematā Community Law Centre
Waitematā Community Law Centre provides free legal help for people most in need in Waitakere, North Shore, and Rodney. It also runs an INFOLAW freephone service and community outreach clinics.
View Website 09 835 2130 Send Email