New Zealand is a scenic country with a renowned cultural heritage. Locals and visitors have plenty to enjoy depending on their favorite pastimes, including online casino games on leading sites such as Mr Bet NZ.
But there are laws in this hobbit wonderland and home of the rugby haka. It’s easy to find yourself on the wrong side of the law just because you don’t know the rules. But don’t fret. This quick read covers the most crucial aspects of the laws of the land.
New Zealand Prioritises Your Rights
The country’s laws align with international human rights instruments by recognising specific human rights principles and through two laws focusing on general human rights.
The first is the Human Rights Act, which is based on the right to live without discrimination. This law’s discrimination prohibition grounds include based on race, sex, religion, color, disability, sexual orientation, or marital status. The NZ Bill of Rights Act is the second of these laws and has a broader scope. This legislation focuses on protecting residents’ political and civil rights. It guarantees the right to:
- Life and security;
- Political participation;
- Free association, expression, thought, and religion;
- Live free from discrimination;
- Enjoy a minority culture;
- Multiple criminal justice rights.
Visiting and Living in New Zealand
You need a visa and entry permission to enter NZ. However, you don’t need the document if your home country is under the visa waiver. Visitors usually apply for a temporary or residence-class visa.
Temporary Visa
You’ll need this if you’re visiting, working, or studying in NZ for a limited duration. In addition, you must acquire entry permission. The temporary visa falls into three categories:
- Work Visa: NZ offers numerous career opportunities, and this visa allows you to stay here to explore them for up to five years. You can apply for another one before it expires and continue working;
- Student Visa: This option grants you permission to train or study in the country for up to four years. You must have cleared all the fees for the program or enjoy an exemption;
- Visitor Visa: Finally, this document lets you stay in NZ for the specified duration for any legal purpose. You can’t study or work except for programs spanning less than three months.
Residence Class Visas
The New Zealand government uses the word residence to describe the right to study, work, and stay in the country permanently. This privilege lets you access multiple other rights and opportunities, including:
- Education;
- Welfare benefits;
- Voting;
- Jury eligibility.
You can apply for this visa if you’re outside NZ and wish to create an apartment residence here or own a temporary visa.
Employment Laws in New Zealand
Looking to work in this country? Well, no worries. The country has sufficient laws to ensure workplace fairness. Under the NZ employment law, workers and their employers have unique responsibilities and rights. Typically, the law obliges your employer to treat you fairly, compensate you within the government-set wage requirements, and comply with other employment laws. They’re also responsible for safe workstations.
On the other hand, employees must work competently and follow the safety and health rules governing their workstations. In addition, you must heed all your visa conditions. Your employment rights include:
- Employment Agreements: You need a written employment agreement with your employer. This agreement should be there even if you’ve already accepted the job offer verbally;
- Part of a Union: You are free to join a union without your employer’s influence;
- Leaves and Holidays: Expect a significant amount of leave in NZ. For instance, you have at least four weeks off yearly and can change one week for cash. In addition, the country has 11 public holidays, and your employer should pay extra if you work within these days;
- Flexibility for Working Parents: New parents have up to 26 weeks of parental leave. This duration covers those moments when you must look after your child and other dependent family members;
- Workplace Safety: Generally, employers must avail the necessary protective equipment. But you’re responsible for ensuring your place of work is safe;
- Deductions: In this country, wages are advertised ‘before tax,’ so you’ll take home a lower amount. Your employer can only deduct authorised amounts, including tax, KiwiSaver, and the ACC levy;
- Employment Termination: You must serve your employer advance notice if you decide to resign. Similarly, your employer must follow a formal process if they end your employment.
Enjoy Your Stay in the Kiwi Nation
Familiarity with the local laws is the surest way to ensure an enjoyable stay without legal pickles. Fortunately, you’re better informed and in a position to live here peacefully with your temporary or permanent visa.
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