Healthcare Rights
The Code of Health & Disability rights, informed consent, ACC injury claims, health complaints, access to records, and mental health rights in New Zealand.
Covered in this guide:
Everyone using a health or disability service in New Zealand is protected by the Code of Health and Disability Services Consumers' Rights — 10 enforceable rights including informed consent, dignity, effective communication, and the right to complain. The Code is overseen by the Health and Disability Commissioner (HDC).
New Zealand is also unusual: the Accident Compensation Act 2001 creates a no-fault injury scheme run by ACC that covers treatment and rehabilitation for accidental injury — and in return, section 317 bars most personal-injury lawsuits. So instead of suing, you claim from ACC. This shapes nearly every injury situation in NZ.
HDC: 0800 11 22 33. ACC: 0800 101 996. Healthline: 0800 611 116.
Key Laws
Health and Disability Commissioner Act 1994 + the Code of Rights
Public Act 1994 No 88; Code in force 1 July 1996
10 consumer rights (informed consent, dignity, communication, complaint) enforced by the HDC.
Accident Compensation Act 2001
Public Act 2001 No 49; ss 20, 32, 317
No-fault cover for accidental injury and treatment injury; s 317 bars most claims for personal-injury damages.
Pae Ora (Healthy Futures) Act 2022
Public Act 2022 No 30
Structure of the public health system (Health NZ / Te Whatu Ora).
Mental Health (Compulsory Assessment and Treatment) Act 1992
Public Act 1992 No 46
Rights and safeguards where a person is subject to compulsory mental-health assessment or treatment.
The Code of Health & Disability Rights
The Code of Health and Disability Services Consumers' Rights gives everyone using a health or disability service 10 enforceable rights. They include the right to be treated with respect and dignity...
Informed Consent
Right 7 of the Code is one of the most important: you have the right to make an informed choice and give informed consent before any treatment, test or procedure. Consent must be given freely, by...
ACC Injury Claims (and the Bar on Suing)
New Zealand's no-fault accident scheme is unique. Under the Accident Compensation Act 2001, ACC covers the cost of treatment and rehabilitation for accidental injury — at work, at home, on the road,...
Making a Health Complaint (HDC)
Right 10 of the Code gives you the right to complain about a health or disability service, and the Health and Disability Commissioner (HDC) is the independent body that handles it. Providers must...
Access to Your Health Records
You have the right to see your own health records — GP notes, hospital files, test results and specialist letters. This sits under Rule 6 of the Health Information Privacy Code 2020 (issued under the...
Mental Health Compulsory Treatment Rights
If a person is placed under compulsory assessment or treatment for mental health, the Mental Health (Compulsory Assessment and Treatment) Act 1992 sets strict safeguards. Compulsory treatment can...