I'm 16 years old and I want to get my tongue pierced. Can I?
Generally, if you are 16 years or older you can give your own informed consent to things like contraceptive treatment, ear and body piercings and tattoos. But in some areas, like Auckland for example, the city council has by-laws lifting this age to 18 unless your parent or guardian gives their consent.
Members of the Tattoo Artists Association of New Zealand work to a code of ethics that says they won't tattoo anyone under 18 without the permission of their guardian or parent.
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