The Age of Consent

There is currently a wide discussion about amending the age of consent to 18 in instances involving an adult in a position of trust.  

At HELP, our work is informed by decades of supporting survivors of sexual violence, including many who were harmed as young people by adults they trusted. Based on this experience, we know that relationships involving a significant power imbalance - particularly where an adult holds authority, responsibility, or influence over a young person - can fundamentally affect a young person’s ability to freely and safely give consent. Trusted adults may shape a young person’s understanding of boundaries, normalise inappropriate behaviour, or create circumstances where compliance is mistaken for consent. Young people in these situations may not recognise the harm at the time, and many only come to understand the nature of their experience years later.

While HELP does not advocate for specific legislative wording, we strongly support legal and social frameworks that better recognise how power imbalances undermine genuine consent and that prioritise the safety and wellbeing of young people. Any amendment that clearly acknowledges the elevated responsibility of adults in positions of trust, and the vulnerability of those under 18 in these relationships, would be consistent with what we see in our support and clinical work.

We also consider it essential that any legislative change is accompanied by clear guidance, education, and resourcing, so that young people, whānau, professionals, and institutions understand their responsibilities and the protections in place.

Read more at The Spinoff: NZ teachers can legally have sex with students over 16. Is it time for change?