You and the NZ Law
18 Years old is the age in NZ where many rights and responsibilities change. See below for some of the main points that may differ from your home country:
- You MUST be over 18 to drink or purchase alcohol in NZ. If you are under 18 you are breaking the law to purchase alcohol or be in a bar without a legal guardian.
- Remember, you have also signed a Code of Conduct that states you will not use alcohol or any illegal substances, or behave in a way that reflects badly on the school.
- Tattoos are also only legally done after age 18, piercings and other body modifications usually are possible from age 16. Again, the Trinity Enrolment Contract Code of Conduct section states that you will not do these without your parent and Principal's written permission.
- Cigarettes, Tobacco and Vaping: NZ is smoke free in most places and it is illegal for stores to sell these products to students under 18. If you are 18, it is against the school rules to ever use these in your school uniform.
- It is illegal to import or use illegal drugs in NZ. This includes cannabis/weed/marijuana.
- The legal age for sexual consent in NZ is 16 years old.
- For more information on your rights under NZ Law, see here