Commission web-launches Human Rights Act booklet

TUESDAY 5 DECEMBER 2000

Commission web-launches Human Rights Act booklet

The Human Rights Commission has launched a new publication summarising the Human Rights Act. Know Your Rights – the Human Rights Act and Best Business Practice has been developed especially for busy small- and medium-sized business owners and operators.

Proceedings Commissioner Chris Lawrence said that the Commission was meeting a need for more accessible and digestible information on the Human Rights Act for owners, operators and the staff of small- and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs).
“We want owners and operators of such businesses to read this free booklet and get a better understanding of how the Human Rights Act works”.

“Know Your Rights gives information on the basics of the Act, together with cartoons and case-note examples of discrimination dealt with by our complaints resolution service,” he said.

The booklet is free and is available through most business service provider outlets nationwide, including Bizinfo offices, as well as the Human Rights Commission toll-free InfoLine and website www.hrc.co.nz.

Bob Hewitt, Manager of Bizinfo Auckland said the booklet is "an essential reference for all business people and should be a part of every company's toolkit".

Mr Lawrence said this is a view shared by the Commission, in light of the fact that there are over 512,000 enterprises (85% of all businesses) in New Zealand employing less than five people, and another 40,000 (7%) employ less than 10 people. (Statistics NZ February 2000).

“Such businesses often cannot afford human resource staff or support, and are pushed to the limit in terms of time and dollars”.

“Many SMEs have low awareness of the relevance of the Human Rights Act to their business, or of the benefits that can be brought by promoting human rights and anti-discrimination practices into the workplace and to customers”.

“Benefits include improved customer service, increased diversity in the workforce, improved productivity and morale, less likelihood of knowledge-loss to competitors and a reduced staff turnover,” Mr Lawrence said.

To order your copy, please call 0800 4 YOUR RIGHTS (0800 496 877), go to www.hrc.co.nz or contact your nearest Bizinfo Provider.

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