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legal matters
The legal age of marriage in New
Zealand is 16 years. If one or both partners are under the age of
20 and have not been married before, then parental consent to
marry is required.
Divorce in New Zealand is simple. Couples can separate
immediately and a divorce is granted automatically after they
have lived apart for 2 years. Dissolution is granted on the basis
of irreconcilable differences. These grounds for divorce cover
all reasons for ending a marriage.
All matrimonial property is generally divided equally between the
partners if they are divorcing after three years of marriage,
this also applies to same-sex and de facto relationships. For
shorter marriages, the equal sharing rules may be modified.
Making a Will
Anyone aged 18 years and over can make a will either through the
Public Trust, which provides a simple and low cost service, or a
private lawyer.
Alcohol and the Law
 Wine and beer are available from most supermarkets seven days a
week, and wine, beer and spirits at specialist outlets
(‘bottle stores’).
Anyone aged 18 years or over can go into ‘licensed
premises’ and buy and drink alcohol. Licensed premises
include hotels, pubs, restaurants, clubs, bottle stores,
supermarkets, cafes, bars and nightclubs. If you are asked to
prove you are 18 years or over, you can use either:
- a New Zealand photo driver
licence
- a New Zealand or overseas
passport, or
- an ‘evidence of
age’ document from the Hotel Association of New
Zealand (available at any New Zealand Post Shop for a
fee).
People who are under 18 can be
supplied with alcohol by their parent or legal guardian, either
at home or at a private social gathering, it is illegal for
people under 18 to drink in a public place.
Drink Driving Rules
If you drink - then don’t drive!
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