Age of Consent
What you can do at 16, 18 and beyond
In New Zealand, reaching different ages unlocks a whole range of new rights, responsibilities and freedoms. There is not a single ‘magic number’ but rather a journey where you gradually gain more independence and adult status. We guide you through New Zealand’s key legal milestones explaining exactly what you can do at certain ages.
Turning 16: gaining more independence
At 16, you start to get more legal independence, though you are not quite an adult in every sense. The main thing people know about a 16th birthday is that it is the legal age for sexual consent in this country. This means that generally, any sexual activity with someone under 16 is against the law, even if they seem to agree, with only a few specific exceptions.
Beyond that, if you are 16 or 17, you can get married or enter a civil union. There is, however, a catch; you need a Family Court Judge’s permission to do this. Usually, this means your parents or guardians must also agree; in special situations, the court may decide that marriage or a civil union is permissible without their consent.
When it comes to your health, if you are 16 or 17 years old, you are generally considered mature enough to make your own medical decisions without needing your parents’ say-so, as long as you understand what is involved.
You can also start working at 16 years old and sign your own employment agreement. There are still some rules about what kind of work you can do and how many hours you can work, especially for safety reasons.
If you are keen to drive, 16 years old is when you can apply for your learner licence, which allows you to drive with a supervisor.
While your parents are still responsible for you until you are 18 years old, after you turn 16 you generally have more say in where you live, particularly if you are mature enough to make those choices.
Turning 18: becoming a full adult
Eighteen years old is the big one in New Zealand; you can sign any legal contract and be fully responsible for it. This means you can buy and sell property, take out loans and be held accountable for any agreements you make. You also have the right to vote in all elections, whether it is for Parliament or your local council. This is a major civic right, allowing you to have a say in how the country is run.
At 18, you can legally buy and drink alcohol, purchase tobacco products and participate in gambling activities such as going to a casino or placing bets. However, you cannot gamble at a casino until you are 20 years old. This is the distinct exception to most other adult privileges that start at 18 years old.
You can also apply for your full driver’s licence at 18. If you have, however, completed an advanced/defensive driving course earlier, you can apply for your full licence at 17.5 years.
If you are feeling politically ambitious, you can even stand as a candidate in parliamentary or local body elections. You are also generally eligible for jury service, which is an important part of the justice system. At 18, you can get married or enter a civil union without needing anyone’s permission, and you can make a legally valid will.
Turning 20: Legally an adult
Interestingly, 20 is technically the legal age of majority in New Zealand. That means, on paper, you’re officially considered a full adult at 20 years old. In reality, however, all the big adult milestones—stated above—have already kicked in. By the time you hit 20, you already have all those rights and responsibilities, so there aren’t many new legal perks or obligations waiting for you.
The main exception is casino gambling; you can only gamble legally at a casino from your 20th birthday onwards. For those interested in trying their luck at the tables, this is the one milestone that only arrives when you’re 20. Otherwise, turning 20 is just another birthday—no extra privileges, just continuing on as a fully-fledged adult.
A clear progression of rights
In essence, New Zealand’s legal framework outlines a clear progression of rights and responsibilities as individuals mature. While turning 16 marks a significant step towards independence, particularly concerning sexual consent and some personal choices, it is the 18th birthday that truly ushers in full adulthood.
At 18, you gain most adult privileges and obligations, from voting to entering binding contracts. By the time you reach 20, you are simply continuing to exercise the full range of adult capacities you have already acquired. This structured approach ensures that as you mature, your legal standing evolves, reflecting a greater capacity for independent decision-making and accountability within society.
DISCLAIMER: All the information published is true and accurate to the best of the authors’ knowledge. It should not be a substitute for legal advice. No liability is assumed by the authors or publisher for losses suffered by any person or organisation relying directly or indirectly on this article. Views expressed are those of individual authors, and do not necessarily reflect the view of this firm. Articles appearing in this newsletter may be reproduced with prior approval from the editor and credit given to the source. Copyright, NZ LAW Limited, 2019. Editor: Adrienne Olsen. E-mail: adrienne@adroite.co.nz. Ph: 029 286 3650 or 04 496 5513.