For the purposes of this (parents’) section, reference to a child means any person under the age of 14 and young person between the age of 14 and 17.
While there is no minimum working age as such, New Zealand has a number of provisions that restrict the employment of young persons. Your child, or a young person you are employing, should not be in any employment at the following times:
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If a person is under the age of… | This means they cannot do jobs like… | ||
20 |
Persons under the age of 20 cannot work in parts of casinos where gambling takes place, nor undertake any gambling related duties. More Info >> |
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18 |
People under the age of 18 cannot be employed in any capacity in a “restricted area” while that area is open for the sale of liquor, unless they are employed preparing or serving any meal; cleaning, repairing, maintaining, altering or restocking the area of any equipment in the area; or removing of replacing any equipment; or stocktaking; or checking or removing cash. Employees under the age of 18 are only permitted to be in a “supervised area” on licensed premises and may be employed in any capacity in the “supervised area”, including for the purpose of selling or supplying alcohol. More Info >> People under the age of 18 cannot be employed in work which involves direct access to gaming machines in “Class 4” gaming venues, typically bars, taverns and clubs etc. for which a gaming machine society has obtained a licence to operate gaming machines. People under the age of 18 cannot work as sex workers. |
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16 |
Children and young persons are required attend school until 16 years of age. School age children or young persons may not be employed within school hours or if the employment interferes with their attendance at school. More Info >> Additionally, people under the age of 16 cannot work at night (10pm-6am) unless this is in accordance with an “approved code of practice” that is in place. |
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15 |
Young employees under 15 cannot be employed to do any work that is likely to harm them, such as using machines, driving or riding tractors or forklifts or lifting heavy loads. Young employees cannot work on-site in logging, manufacturing or construction. There is a limited exception for driving/riding tractors if the young person lives on the farm or works as an independent contractor. This lets them drive or ride tractors for agricultural work if they are over the age of 12, but only if they are fully trained or being trained in the safe operation of the tractor and any implement being towed. More Info >> |
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14 |
It is an offence for a parent or guardian or someone at the time having care of a child, to leave a child under the age of 14 without reasonable care and supervision (Summary Offences Act 1960). More Info >> |
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