The Human Rights Act 1993 prohibits discrimination in relation to employment and religious grounds, affirmed by section 19 of the NZ Bill of Rights Act 1990, which apply everywhere. However, protections only apply to those of heterosexual, homosexual, lesbian, or bisexual orientations, and currently gender identity is ambiguously regarded as being protected under the ground of sex. That has not been tested yet, and is prone to being interpreted otherwise. (Māori: Te Ture Tika Tangata 1993) outlaws discrimination on the grounds of sexual orientation and, implicitly, gender identity/expression. Initially, this law temporarily exempted government activities until 1999. In 1998, an amendment bill was introduced making this exemption permanent; this was abandoned following a change of government in 1999. The new Labour Government instead passed another amendment to apply the Act to government activities, and also to create a new ability for the courts to "declare" legislation inconsistent with the Act.

The Human Rights Act 1993 prohibits discrimination in relation to employment and religious grounds, affirmed by section 19 of the NZ Bill of Rights Act 1990, which apply everywhere. However, protections only apply to those of heterosexual, homosexual, lesbian, or bisexual orientations, and currently gender identity is ambiguously regarded as being protected under the ground of sex. That has not been tested yet, and is prone to being interpreted otherwise.