Growing up in Aotearoa right now is hard enough without having “experts” (doctors, social workers, or lawyers) treat you with disrespect or ignore your boundaries.
If a professional has crossed a line, you don’t have to “just deal with it.” You have the right to speak up without having to go back to the organization that let you down.
Step 1: Get Your “Receipts” 🧾
Before you talk to anyone, start a Sane Log. It’s a safe place to write down exactly what happened so they can’t gaslight you later.
- Log the Vibe Check: Note if they showed up unannounced, called you “difficult,” or ignored your rights.
- Keep it Private: Use a locked note on your phone or a hidden document.
- Focus on Facts: Write down exactly what they said or did.
Step 2: Pick Your Independent Pathway
You don’t have to talk to Oranga Tamariki or the Police to make a complaint. Use these independent “watchdogs” instead. They don’t share offices with the professionals, and their job is to hold them accountable.
| If the problem is a… | Talk to these people instead: | How they help: |
| Doctor, Nurse, or Counselor | Health & Disability Advocacy | They are free “human shields” who can talk to the professional for you. |
| Social Worker | VOYCE or The Ombudsman | They are 100% independent and focus only on your rights as a young person. |
| Lawyer | YouthLaw Aotearoa | They provide free legal advice for anyone under 25 and help you handle bad lawyers. |
| Teacher or Tutor | NZQA | You can give them an “anonymous notification” if you don’t want your name used. |
Step 3: Use the “Buddy” System
The system is built to make young people feel small. To balance the power, never go into a meeting alone.
- Right to an Advocate: You have a legal right to bring a support person or a professional advocate to any meeting.
- Red Flag Alert: If a professional tries to stop you from bringing a buddy, that is a major warning sign—add it to your Sane Log immediately.
Quick Directory: Who to Call
- The Advocates (0800 555 050): The best first call for health or disability issues. They will walk you through everything for free.
- The Ombudsman (0800 802 602): The “Big Boss” for complaints about government agencies like OT. They have a special team for Rangatahi.
- The SWRB (Online Notification): You can flag a social worker directly with their professional board. You can even do this anonymously to put them on the radar.
- Health and Disability Commissioner (HDC): Complaint Link: Make a Complaint Online, Call: 0800 11 22 33
- The Ombudsman (Tamariki & Rangatahi team): Young Person’s Link: nau-mai.nz (Designed specifically for young people), Text for free: Text 8951 for a call back, Call: 0800 184 184
- Independent Police Conduct Authority (IPCA): Complaint Link: IPCA Online Form, Call: 0800 503 728
Your Truth Matters.
You aren’t “being dramatic” and you aren’t “uncooperative.” You are a person with rights, and this community is here to help you protect them.
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