Human Rights Commission Supports Dropping Under-25 Car Sticker Scheme

The Human Rights Commission supports the decision of the New Zealand Police to discontinue the Under-25 Car Sticker Scheme.

The Scheme resulted in a number of complaints of age discrimination to the Commission. The Commission’s resulting investigation found that there is little evidence to suggest that the policy reduces car theft.

Commissioner Ross Brereton said the Scheme had been controversial and socially divisive since its introduction.

“The Commission believes that the Scheme would breach the Human Rights Act 1993, but for an exemption in the Act for all government agencies, including the police, that expires in 12 months time,” Mr Brereton said.

“The Scheme is only available to drivers aged 25 years and over. If drivers of all ages used the stickers the Scheme would become inoperable.”

“The Commission found that the scheme discriminated on the grounds of age. In addition, the Scheme could breach section 19 of the Bill of Rights Act.”

“One of the disturbing factors is that the Scheme has divided the community. This is because one age group has been offered a Police service that automatically stereotypes under-25 year olds as potential car thieves.”

“The failure of the Scheme to measure up to New Zealand’s human rights laws reminds all government agencies that they should carefully consider these laws when developing policy.”

The full Commission Opinion is available on the Human Rights Commission website www.hrc.co.nz

For further information please contact Glyn Walters, Human Rights Commission Communications Officer on 09 375 8627 or 025 313 239.

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