IMPORTANT LAWS - NEW ZEALAND

Laws of New Zealand - Century Park Motor Lodge.com

New Zealand enjoys a well deserved reputation as a liberal and tolerant society. We do have enormous freedoms; however, there are certain laws that are strictly enforced for citizens’ safety and health. Some of these may differ depending on which country you come from so they’re worth keeping in mind.

Drinking

The legal age for drinking alcohol in New Zealand is 18 years. Alcohol is available from supermarkets and liquor outlets seven days a week. Some urban areas have local regulations which prevent drinking alcohol in public places.

Driving

If you have a driver’s licence in your home country, or an international driving permit or driver’s licence, you can drive in New Zealand for up to 12 months before applying for a New Zealand licence. People may apply for the first stage of the New Zealand driving licence process on their 15th birthday.

Like the UK, Japan and Australia, New Zealanders drive on the LEFT hand side of the road. The maximum speed on the highway is 100kph (62mph) and 50kph (31mph) in built up areas and strict penalties are imposed for speeding, not wearing seat belts or for driving while alcohol impaired.  Cyclists are required by law to wear an approved cycle helmet.

Drugs

In New Zealand it is against the law to buy, sell, use, import or possess certain drugs. This includes marijuana and ecstasy.

Firearms

You should leave all firearms in your country of origin until you have gained permanent residence. You are then permitted to apply for a Firearms Licence and Permit to Import.
Rifles (bolt action or semi automatic) and shotguns are the most common firearms in New Zealand but are most likely to be owned by farmers or registered target shooters. Handguns, fully automatic and military style weapons are banned except under exceptional circumstances.

Human Rights

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

Smoking

To protect people from the health effects of second-hand smoke, smoking in most public areas including shopping malls, public transport, pubs, bars and restaurants is prohibited in New Zealand. All workplaces are smokefree. If you smoke, please remember to smoke outside.  While staying at Century Park, smokers must leave the property to smoke.

Smokefree Law in New Zealand

On 3 December 2003, an amendment to the Smoke-free Environments Act 1990 was passed. The amendment (the Smoke-free Environments Amendment Act 2003), required, among other things that:

• the buildings and grounds of schools and early childhood centres became smokefree from 1 January 2004
• licensed premises (bars, restaurants, cafes, sports clubs, casinos) became smokefree indoors from 10 December 2004
• other workplaces became smokefree indoors from 10 December 2004 – including offices, factories, warehouses, work canteens and ‘smoko’ rooms
• the display of tobacco products in retail outlets was restricted, and a ‘smoking kills’ sign erected near the display from 10 December 2004
• herbal smoking products were included in smoking bans
• the access of those under 18 years of age to smoking products was further restricted.

Second-hand smoke contains poisonous chemicals such as arsenic, hydrogen cyanide, ammonia and carbon monoxide. These new requirements are designed to protect non-smokers from second-hand smoke.

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