Justice Centre | 19 Aitken Street
DX SX10088 | Wel ington
T 04 918 8800 |
F 04 918 8820
[email address] | www.justice.govt.nz
5 December 2024
Lance D. Lavery
[FYI request #29123 email]
Our ref: DSC 117398
Tēnā koe Lance
Definition and Scope of Antisemitism
Thank you for your email of 8 November 2024 to the Ministry of Justice (the Ministry),
regarding the scope of Antisemitism.
Firstly, it is important to let you know that while the Official Information Act (the Act) allows
New Zealanders to ask Ministers and government agencies for information, there is no
requirement to create new information, compile information they do not hold, respond to
hypothetical questions, or provide an opinion or legal advice. As your request asks for a
definition and scope of Antisemitism, and not for official information held by the Ministry, I am
not responding under the Official Information Act. However, I can provide you with the
following information relevant to your request.
New Zealand stands against antisemitism in all its forms and unequivocally condemns all
forms of racism, racial discrimination, xenophobia or related intolerance. Antisemitism and
semitic are not terms used in New Zealand law. New Zealand law protects against
discrimination on the basis of race, irrespective of delineation.
The Human Rights Act 1993 (HRA) makes it unlawful to discriminate on several grounds,
including, but not limited to:
• religious belief,
• ethical belief,
• colour,
• race,
• ethnic or national origin (including nationality or citizenship), and
• political opinion.
The grounds apply if they are assumed to relate to a person, relative or associate, and if
they exist at present or have existed in the past.
If you are concerned about an experience of discrimination, you can also contact Te Kāhui
Tika Tangata Human Rights Commission (the Commission). The Commission provides free,
confidential services to deal with unlawful discrimination and other prohibited behaviours
under the HRA. The Commission also offers a community peacebuilding process for
complaints about harmful speech that don't otherwise fall under the HRA. More information
on this can be found at
: Making a complaint
If you are not satisfied with this response, you have the right to make a complaint to the
Ombudsman under section 28(3) of the Act. The Of ice of the Ombudsman may be
contacted by email to [email address] or by phone on 0800 802 602.
Nāku noa, nā
Emily Douglas
General Manager (Acting), Civil & Constitutional Policy
