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Government & legal system
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Protests and the general criminal law
Generally you are free to video or photograph people in public spaces without their consent, including the police. This is protected under the right to “seek information” in the Bill of Rights and is not against the criminal law.
However, you could be charged with obstructing police in the course of their duties if you get in their way.
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Activism
Community Law
Your local Community Law Centre can provide free initial legal advice and information.
Treaty of Waitangi
www.nzhistory.govt.nz/politics/treaty-of-waitangi
This NZ History webpage has information about the Treaty of Waitangi and events and issues surrounding it. The website is run by the Ministry for Culture and Heritage.
Waitangi Tribunal
This website has information about the Waitangi Tribunal.
To start the Tribunal process of submitting a claim, you can either: call the Tribunal office for queries on (04) 914 3000, or email them at WT.Registrar@justice.govt.nz
Matike Mai Report
Matike Mai Aotearoa is an Independent Working Group dedicated to Constitutional Transformation based on tikanga and kawa in Aotearoa/New Zealand. This report outlines their vision, research and findings.
Human Rights Commission
The Human Rights Commission was set up in 1977 and works under the Human Rights Act 1993. Their purpose is to promote and protect the human rights of all people in Aotearoa New Zealand.
UN Declaration of the Rights of Indigenous Peoples
www.hrc.co.nz/our-work/indigenous-rights/our-work/undrip-and-treaty/
The UN Declaration of the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (UNDRIP) was set up in 2010 for the purpose of increasing the UN’s commitment to promoting and protecting the rights of indigenous peoples worldwide.
Privacy Commissioner
The Privacy Commissioner has a wide range of functions, including investigating complaints about breaches of privacy, running education programmes, and examining proposed legislation and how it may affect individual privacy.
Advocacy organisations and support services
Rainbow Youth
RainbowYOUTH provide a number of services, including advocacy for queer, gender diverse, takatāpui & intersex youth, their friends, whānau and wider communities.
Disabled Persons Assembly NZ
Disabled Persons Assembly NZ provides direct support and advocacy, and work in collaboration with others to achieve inclusion for all New Zealanders.
Mental Health Foundation
The Mental Health Foundation has useful links and resources for people dealing with mental health issues.
Helplines
www.health.govt.nz/your-health/services-and-support/health-care-services/mental-health-services
Police Brutality & Activist Trauma Support and Recovery
medium.com/@jessieden/a-resource-for-activists-working-through-trauma-82a9807712be
The Police Brutality & Activist Trauma Support and Recovery resource is a booklet made by activists for activists, with accessible information on what trauma is, how it affects people, and ideas for supporting yourself and others through it.
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