A look at New Zealand’s Age of Majority

When does someone legally become an adult in New Zealand? Is it when you get your driver’s licence or when you can vote? New Zealanders may find this ‘age-old’ question difficult to answer.

According to the Age of Majority Act 1970, the age at which a person is legally recognised as an adult in New Zealand is 20 years old. Once you turn 20, you assume legal responsibility for yourself and your actions.

Age restricted activities

Before 1970, the age of majority in New Zealand was 21. Then in 1974, the voting age was reduced to 18. Many other laws have followed suit to reduce age restrictions to 18 and even 16.

At 16 You Can:

1. Get your learner licence
2. Leave school
3. Work full time & pay tax
4. Give medical consent
5. Apply for your own passport
6. Get married (with parental consent)

At 18 You Can:

1. Vote
2. Purchase alcohol
3. Create a Will
4. Become a company director or shareholder
5. Become an executor of an estate
6. Buy property on your own

More recently, the ‘Make it 16’ campaign aimed to lower the voting age to 16. Although the campaign was unsuccessful, it shows that there is a growing recognition of the maturity of young adults.

There are only a few activities that are still restricted to those aged 20 and over, including gambling in a casino, having a small amount of alcohol in your system while driving and acting as an attorney under Enduring Power of Attorney documents. With so few activities still reserved for 20-year-olds, it is interesting that the Age of Majority Act has not been updated. Some might argue that there is a big jump in maturity from 18 to 20 and that a higher age of majority is a necessary protection. However, others may believe that the journey through adulthood is unique for everyone. It is worth considering whether it is time to revise this legislation. Should we update the Age of Majority Act, or allow those under 20 to relish in their extended youth?