New Zealand

New Zealand is a comparatively LGBTQ+-friendly country located in the south pacific, with some legal protections for trans people.

Note: Officially the name of the country is New Zealand, but has been referred to as Aotearoa New Zealand. Aotearoa means ‘land of the long white cloud’ in the native language of New Zealand, te reo māori. It is one of the original names given to the two main islands, but is not accepted as the official name by all iwi (tribes) and so the colonial name, New Zealand persists.

Why New Zealand?

Legal gender recognition: separate assigned sex at birth and identified gender are recognized. Changing of name and gender are relatively simple processes and requires only self-identification.
Anti-discrimination laws: Discrimination is illegal, but breaches are considered a civil matter and so the victim of discrimination would need to take the offender to court. Under NZ Anti-discrimination law, you cannot be treated unfairly if:
- It’s done because of certain reasons covered by the Human Rights Act – like your race or country of origin, or your gender identity or sexual orientation, and
- it happens in an area of public life covered by human rights laws – like when you’re applying for a job, renting a flat, buying things from shops, or dealing with government departments.
Public healthcare: Only emergency healthcare is free (state-funded) in New Zealand and it is badly underfunded and stretched by the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic and associated fallout. Treatment for an accident (not a pre-existing condition) is covered by something called ACC, which is like medical insurance, but it is free (funded through levies). It exists to prevent litigation for medical expenses. Visits to GPs and dentists are not funded. Medical insurance is available at a cost. Gender-affirming care is available, but most is at the patient’s own expense. Pathway to receiving care is pretty straightforward for over 18s. Under 18 is more complex, but there are groups in NZ to help people navigate the system.
LGBTQ+ rights and community: There are no laws that discriminate against LGBTQ+ people directly and there is regulation to prevent discrimination, but it could be better. A ‘hate speech’ bill was proposed by the last Labour government that would have outlawed hateful speech in public and on social media, but it was quashed by the current National/ACT/NZ First Coalition. The vast majority of New Zealanders are open and inviting people and transphobia is not tolerated. Wellington is by far the coolest place to be for LGBTQ+ people, but the whole country is pretty chill.
Immigration pathways: There are a number of options available:
- NZeTA: If you are in a hurry, this electronic Travel Authority can be applied for and processed in around 72 hours. It allows you to visit New Zealand, but does not allow you to work, study or own property. It can be a way in however and is the quickest method.
- Working Holiday Visa: For 18-30 year olds, this is a one year visa which has a very short turnaround time, and which can be used to learn about New Zealand and to potentially find another job to switch to a work visa later. https://www.immigration.govt.nz/new-zealand-visas/preparing-a-visa-application/working-in-nz/how-long-can-you-work-in-new-zealand-for/working-holiday-visa
- Work to Reside Visa: For those with specialist skills on the New Zealand Skills Shortage List. Need to add link.
- Family Visas: For those with family/partners already in New Zealand. Proof is needed of relationship, although LGBTQ+ relationships are recognized. Some family members may be refused entry if they are disabled or neurodivergent.
- Residency and Citizenship: Applying for residency or permanent residency can be done from inside or outside New Zealand. There is a points system, which favors the educated and wealthy. Once you have been a permanent resident for five years, you can apply for citizenship.
Democracy: The electoral system in New Zealand is something called MMP. I won’t get into the details, but it means that the parliament is representative of the votes of all New Zealanders. While this is by no means the best system, it is a huge advance on the UK or US systems. The government is currently made up of six major parties and, although two main parties have dominance (Labour and National), they often have to make concessions to the smaller parties to form a government. In addition, the relatively small population of New Zealand (around 5 million) means that each vote counts more. A sitting government only serves a term of three years and then they must be re-elected. Breakdown of parties compared to US parties, largest vote-share to smallest:
- The National Party – think the Democrats with Joe Biden in charge
- The Labour Party – imagine the Democrats with Bernie Sanders in charge
- ACT (Alliance of Consumers and Taxpayers) – The Republicans, but not quite as bad (maybe how the republicans used to be?)
- The Green Party – a party whose main focus is the survival of human civilisation through the prevention of ecological destruction, but also has a broad sweep of logical, society-building policies, like taxing the rich, universal basic income, free healthcare and widespread, free public transport.
- Te Pāti Māori – a party representing the interests of the native Māori collective Iwi, generally socialist in nature, believing in equality and changing the electoral system to one of co-governance.
- NZ First – A party originally for grumpy old men, but in the last election aimed for the conspiracy fantasist vote, promising to end things that weren’t happening. Closest parallel is JFK Junior.

There are other parties that did not achieve the 5% vote-share required to be part of the government.

Why not New Zealand?

Current government: The current coalition government is the worst we’ve had since colonial times. It is the work of the Atlas Network and Qanon. A lot of far-right money has gone into putting these band of looters in charge and the country is suffering greatly while they are there. Hopefully sanity will prevail at the next election.
Housing issues: A great deal of housing in NZ is sub-standard. Dampness and mold are commonplace, especially in rented accommodation. The law is skewed heavily in favor of landlords and rent is too high.
Disabled rights: This is one area where New Zealand is just terrible. It probably stems from NZ being a frontier country in the recent past, but the behavior of New Zealanders to disabled people is appalling. There are virtually no rights for equality for disabled people and there is little representation in government. This is also reflected in their immigration policy, making it very difficult to get a visa if you are disabled or neurodivergent.
Cults and hate groups: There are hate groups in NZ (as with anywhere) and a few cults, the most dangerous and vocal being ‘Destiny Church’, which is an evangelical ‘Christian’ hate group.
Fault Line: New Zealand sits on a fault line and experiences regular ‘small’ earthquakes as well as the occasional devastating one. Civil defense is poorly funded and it has been suggested that NZ is poorly prepared for the next big one. In recent years, storms and floods have been increasing, but that’s a global phenomenon and not specific to New Zealand.
The King: Technically, the head of state for New Zealand is King Charles II of Britain. He is represented by the Governor-general, currently Dame Cindy Kiro of Māori descent. The King has the same power over New Zealand as the president has in the US, but he tends not to exercise it and defers to parliament. To gain citizenship, you will need to swear allegiance to the King.
Shootings: Gun laws in New Zealand are similar to the US. There is no gun registry – it almost happened following the Christchurch shootings, but met heavy resistance and was scrapped by the incoming government, despite initial cross-party support. Shootings are rare here, but they do happen and there are no controls in place to prevent them happening. Gang violence exists in New Zealand, but it has been on the decline over the last few decades.

Political Situation for Trans People

New Zealand elected its first trans MP to parliament in 1999.
Most people are very chilled out and support for trans people is positive.
Recent attempts to introduce culture wars to NZ have failed.
New Zealanders quite rightly associate transphobia with fascism and transphobic attitudes are actively challenged by most people.
Transphobes tend to be ostracized.

Access to Trans Healthcare

Available for over 18s relatively easily. Access for under-18s is more complex, but there are groups that can help with navigating the healthcare system. Full details are here

I know of some trans people that have sought surgery outside of New Zealand because of a lack of expertise here.

Immigration Policy

US citizens need a visa to move to New Zealand. Even visiting requires a visa. There is an agreement with Australia, which means if you have residence or citizenship in either country, it counts for both. Immigration documents are available in a variety of languages, but default is (British) English.

Medical Inadmissibility

New Zealand is very resistant to allowing disabled people into the country. They use ‘economic’ justification, but there often isn’t any. It is simply prejudice. Disabled people are treated as second class citizens in New Zealand.

Permanent Residency

You first need to apply for residency. You can apply for permanent residency once you have been resident for two years. You can apply for residency directly (using the points system) or enter NZ on a work-to-reside visa (which requires two years of work before residency is granted). There are some direct routes to permanent residency. Full details here: https://www.immigration.govt.nz/

Citizenship Pathway

You can become a citizen if you have been a permanent resident of either New Zealand or Australia for five years. Applicants are required to swear allegiance to the King, taking an oath in either English or Te Reo.

LGBTQ+ Friendly Cities

Wellington, the capital of New Zealand, is the most trans-friendly city, but Auckland and Christchurch are reputedly also great places to live. Some smaller cities may be more conservative, but I’ve generally found that transphobia is not tolerated.

Community & Support Resources

OutLine Aotearoa provides a nationwide, free, and confidential support line (0800 OUTLINE - 0800 688 5463) and online chat service at outline.org.nz/chat between 6pm-9pm every evening, for people who want to speak to a trained volunteer from rainbow communities. OutLine also provides specialist counselling for rainbow people and their whānau, an Auckland-based trans and non-binary peer support service, and a peer support group for survivors of conversion practices.

Parents and Guardians of Gender Diverse Children in NZ is a parent-led group that provides information, guidance, advice and companionship to help parents and guardians who have trans or gender diverse children. They provide support through a secret Facebook group (not searchable on Facebook). Email nzparentsoftransgenderchildren@gmail.com for support or to join the group.

RainbowYOUTH provides 1:1 peer support to queer, gender diverse, intersex and takatāpui youth and their whānau across Aotearoa, with peer support groups and in-person support available in Northland, Auckland, Taranaki, Bay of Plenty and Wellington. They can help with housing, support for parents and whānau, transitioning, accessing gender affirming care, coming out, information and resources

InsideOUT provides a range of services which support rainbow young people to have a sense of safety and belonging in their schools and communities. InsideOUT specialises in supporting schools to be rainbow inclusive and can support students, family, whānau around any challenges they might be facing with schools, or help you choose a more inclusive school for your child. @insideoutkoaro across social media.

Qtopia is a social support service for LGBTQIA+ youth, their whānau, and their communities in Ōtautahi Christchurch and the wider Waitaha Canterbury area.

Moana Vā, Navigators of Pacific Pride is a community led organisation providing support, advocacy and mentorship to Pacific Rainbow+ MVPFAFF+ communities. Moana Vā focuses on connecting or reconnecting, sharing aspirations, goals, stories and creating narratives to be heard and pass on to future allies. Moana Vā also run a monthly parents and whānau group in Ōtautahi. Call 021416347 or email moanava2022@gmail.com.

Mana Tipua enhances the hauora and mana of Takatāpui. Based in Ōtautahi/Christchurch, Mana Tipua runs kaupapa Māori social groups, noho marae, individual well-being support and community advocacy for Takatāpui/Māori LGBTQIA+ youth aged 12 - 25 years. Get in touch with them at kiaora@manatipua.nz.

Gender Minorities Aotearoa is a nationwide transgender organisation. It is run by and for transgender people; including binary and non-binary, intersex, and irawhiti takatāpui. GMA supports transgender people of all ages, cultures, and backgrounds, and provides one-to-one peer support and information nationwide.

Intersex Aotearoa provides intersex-led advocacy and support. They welcome all people with intersex variations, their whānau and friends. Intersex Aotearoa is a registered charitable trust that provides information, education and training for organisations and professionals to improve services and healthcare for intersex people.

Rainbow Hub Waikato is a non-profit organisation that creates spaces and works alongside communities across the Waikato to embrace, celebrate, and support diversity and identity, where all people thrive and feel empowered to be themselves.

Q Youth is a Nelson-based organisation that provides support, information, advocacy and education for queer and trans young people, their friends and families. Q Youth offers services in the Nelson/Tasman region. Groups and events are open to all young people up to the age of 24 as they are a queer/straight alliance.

Dunedin Pride is a volunteer-run organisation with a vision to create an inclusive and affirming environment for Rainbow & takatāpui communities in Ōtepoti Dunedin and surrounding areas.

Gender Dynamix holds a regular Pride Parents Support Group in Tauranga “open to any parent or guardian seeking informative and healing discussion based on caring for LGBTQI+ youth”, as well as a range of groups for trans people and those exploring their gender.

Holding Our Own provides Auckland-based support for parents and whānau of LGBTQ children (all ages) - currently not meeting as a group but contact Amanda to talk: holdingourown@outlook.com or 021 125 7775.

National Organizations

https://genderminorities.com/community-groups-database/

Cost of Living

The cost of living in New Zealand is probably higher than anywhere in the US.
Rent is too high. For most people, rent is more than half of their net salary. Most members of parliament are landlords. Until this changes, the problem will persist.
There is some limited public transport in Auckland and Wellington, but very little anywhere else. Cars are the main means of transport.
Healthcare is partially funded as explained above.
Grocery prices: generally, everything in New Zealand costs a little bit more than you would be used to, especially things that are imported. Shopping at markets will bring some costs down. Supermarkets here are a duopoly and they price-fix. There is a tax on all purchases of 17.5% called GST. There are further duties on imported goods (though you can sneak stuff in via your luggage and this isn't illegal).
Education is free until University. Loans are available for university education, but this is similar to the US. Schools used to offer free lunchtime meals of reasonable quality. This has been rolled back significantly by the current government.
Fuel is pricey. NZ does not subsidize the oil industry like the US does and road maintenance tax is taken through petrol prices (or road usage tax for non-petrol vehicles). You learn not to leave the engine running.
Power costs used to be high, but the rising price of coal and gas globally has brought them into line with other countries. 80% of New Zealand’s power comes from renewable sources, but the cost seems to be about the same as anywhere else.

Housing Access & Cost

Although it is illegal to discriminate when renting a property, it is incumbent on the renter to prove that discrimination has taken place.
House prices are prohibitively expensive in Auckland or Wellington.
Rent is also high in the cities.
Accessible accommodation is non-existent.
Rental properties need to pass a healthy homes test, but the standard is far too low, the renter needs to report any breaches and it is poorly enforced.

Law Enforcement ("How bad are the cops?")

The primary problem of the police is racism towards Māori. They are also ableist.
The majority of police are not armed, although armed response units are deployed readily.
They are heavy-handed against protestors, but beat-cops are generally quite reasonable, but there are definitely some assholes.

Censorship & Digital Privacy

New Zealand is very low-regulation. There is virtually no censorship here. There are laws governing privacy, but they are very weak and often not applied, especially in a digital space. It’s about the same as in the US.

Ease of Travel to Other Countries

Australia is the nearest neighbor and that’s a three-hour flight. If you can legally be in NZ, you can legally be in Australia. Everywhere else is very far away.

Animal Policies

New Zealand is pet-friendly to an extent. They have tight biosecurity rules to protect native species. Dogs and cats are generally fine (although cats are a significant threat to native birdlife and there are rules about keeping cats in certain areas). Most rentals however do not allow pets.
What do you need to do to bring a pet? Need more here
Consider adding a section on the Traveling with pets page