Does the New Zealand Bill of Rights require the government to act consistently with the protected rights?
• Yes. Section 3 states that the NZ Bill of Rights applies to acts done: • (a) By the legislative, executive, or judicial branches of the government of New Zealand; or • (b) By any person or body in the performance of any public function, power, or duty conferred or imposed on that person or body by or pursuant to law. • The New Zealand Ministry of Justice has published guidelines to assist government and public authorities to ensure that their legislation, policies and practices are consistent with the NZ Bill of Rights.[28] • The guidelines also recognise that the scope of section 3(b) of the NZ Bill of Rights is not completely certain.
