What you're now allowed to do!

As you grow up, the law gives you different rights and responsibilities, depending on how old you are. 

Once you are 18:

You can choose new styles of clothing and hair colour to express yourself.

This can be fun – and it’s easy to change your mind to try something different.

You can also change your appearance in ways that are more permanent, like tattoos and piercings.

These changes are permanent (or very expensive to reverse if you change your mind!). They can lead to health concerns if done incorrectly – you’ll want to make sure you take time to think through these decisions and make sure they are done safely and professionally.

You can buy alcohol and go to a public bar.

Remember: you can be arrested for being a nuisance, being intoxicated and disorderly in public, and you can also be permanently banned from venues or even detained:  Moderation is important and saying no is an option, being drunk can make you do things you normally wouldn’t and make you unsafe.  Alcohol is known to cause harm to your health and your relationships. Alcohol & Drug Helpline

You can buy cigarettes.

But do you really want to? They are addictive and will mess up your health and make you much poorer than you need to be. You can ask your GP for help to quit, or call Quitline.

You can buy a can of spray paint.

It is illegal to spray paint anything other than your personal property unless with the clear permission of the owner.

You can enter into contracts with service providers or others.

You will be held legally responsible for any agreement you make or contract you sign - even if you didn’t read it, and even if you didn’t understand it. For example, if you borrow money, rent a flat or set up your phone or power you are locked in. It’s best to ask a trusted friend of family member before you sign anything – always.

You can get married without anyone’s permission.

Remember: marriage and civil unions are legal contracts in AoNZ. There are serious restrictions and consequences. Ending a relationship is much more difficult when married and you can be held responsible for debts and contracts your spouse signs. It is usual for people to seek advice before getting married.

You can make a valid will.

A will sets out who will get your belongings if you die. However, unless you own property or other expensive items, you may not need to. 

You can change your name legally without anyone’s permission.

You can apply for a New Zealand passport without anyone’s permission.

You can engage in sexual activity.

As long as all the people involved are 18 or over and have consented. You must understand the meaning and laws of consent – no means no! 

You can be taken to the adult courts if you break the law. 

Even if you didn’t know that what you did was breaking the law.

You can be sent to an adult jail for an offence.

Even if you didn’t mean to break the law, or if you were just following along, or even if you didn’t understand what was happening.

For a list of some other key legal differences at different ages that you might find interesting and important, click here: Legal Ages - YouthLaw.