At any age

• Own land. Until 20, age will be noted on the certificate of title.
• Consent to medical treatment provided they are "competent".

Age 7

• Open and withdraw money from a savings account (earlier for some banks).

Age 10

• Be charged with a serious criminal offence (murder or manslaughter).
• Take out life insurance in their own name.

Age 12

• Drive or ride a tractor on a farm.

Age 14

• Babysit (in general).
• Be prosecuted in a Youth Court (between ages 14 and 16).
• Buy fireworks.

Age 15

• Hold a learner driver licence.
• Be responsible for wearing a seatbelt. Until age 15, the driver is responsible.
• Sell goods in a second-hand shop.
• Work anywhere in a factory. Before age 15, a child cannot work in a factory except in the office or administration area.
• Steer a boat capable of 10 knots or more.
• Fly a plane.

Age 16

• Leave school.
• Leave home permanently without permission.
• Be paid at least the minimum wage.
• Must consent in writing to having their name changed.
• Get a passport without parental consent.
• Have consenting sex (heterosexual or gay).
• Apply for a firearms licence.

Age 17

• Be prosecuted in the District Court.
• Hold a private pilot's licence.

Age 18

• Claim for money owed in the District Court (although they can sue for wages owed at any age).
• Bet on sports or the races.
• Make a will (children aged between 16 and 18 can apply to the District Court to make a will).
• Borrow money from banks.
• Be sold an instant lottery ticket.
• Pawn goods.
• Obtain a credit card.
• Drink in a pub or licensed restaurant.
• Work in a massage parlour.
• Stand as a candidate for election.
• Vote.
• Be appointed a company director.
• Enlist in the armed forces without parental consent.
• Get a heavy traffic licence.
• Be granted New Zealand citizenship without parental consent (provided they have lived in NZ for at least three years at any age).
• Own an airgun without having to hold a firearms licence.
• Apply for an extension to a firearms licence, allowing possession of a military-style semi-automatic firearm.

Age 19

• Join the police force.

Age 20

• Legally an adult.