Plain language law
New Zealand law explained for everyone
This site uses plain language to explain the laws of Aotearoa New Zealand.
Some common laws
Resource Management Act 1991
Updating rules for how we use land, air, and water in New Zealand
See all plain language laws
What is this project?
This project is an experiment to take difficult language, and make it easier to read and understand for everyone.
How do we do this?
What’s our process for taking the law and turning it into plain language?
Why is the law written like it is?
Laws are often hard to read. They use a lot of words and language we don’t usually use when we talk.
Is this information the actual law?
We hope that this information will help people understand New Zealand laws. But we think that it’s important you talk to someone who understands the law well if you have questions or are worried about something.
You can talk to Community Law or Citizen’s Advice Bureau about your rights.
Remember that AI can make mistakes, and just reading the law isn’t enough to understand how it could be used in court.