Volunteer rights

Your rights as a volunteer

Your rights as a volunteer

As a volunteer you are giving your time, energy and skills to an organisation for free. As a volunteer in New Zealand, you have certain rights:

  • You should not be used to fill a position that previously belonged to a paid worker
  • You should be paid back for any out-of-pocket expenses you have incurred on behalf of the organisation
  • You must be given enough training to do your job
  • Your work environment must be healthy and safe
  • Your confidential private information must be protected
  • You must not be subjected to unlawful discrimination or sexual and racial harassment.

If you have a problem while volunteering:
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  1. First, try using your organisation's internal processes to find a solution.
  2. Document what happened by writing down the details and when they occurred.
  3. Get outside advice from places like:
    • Citizens Advice Bureau
    • Community Law Centres
    • A trusted friend or advisor
    • Community Law Aotearoa's website (which offers guidance on volunteer rights and relevant laws)
  4. For specific legal issues, consider making a complaint to the appropriate government agency such as:
    • Employment New Zealand
    • The Labour Inspectorate
    • WorkSafe
    • The Human Rights Commission

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WorkSafe and Health and Safety at Work Act

Find out more about how The Health and Safety Work Act applies to volunteers and officers who are volunteers.

Guidance for volunteersGuidance for officers who are volunteers

Human Rights Act 1993 applies to volunteers

The Human Rights Act uses a definition of ‘employment’ that includes volunteers.

The Human Rights Act protects people from unlawful discrimination. The Act’s intention is to ensure that everyone is treated fairly in key areas of life, including employment, and this includes the recruitment of volunteers. The Human Rights Act uses a definition of ‘employment’ that includes volunteers.

Fact sheet: Volunteers and the Human Rights Act