Civic Duties and Legal Stuff
People living with diabetes are full and active citizens of Aotearoa New Zealand, entitled to participate in civic life, public service, and legal processes on an equal basis with others.
Diabetes — whether Type 1 or Type 2 — should never be a barrier to jury service, voting, holding public office, or other civic duties. However, practical and systemic supports are often needed to ensure these rights can be exercised safely and equitably.
Under Te Tiriti o Waitangi, the Crown has an obligation to protect and promote mana motuhake (self-determination) for Māori living with diabetes, ensuring their full participation in decision-making, governance, and justice systems.
Jury Service
All New Zealand citizens over 18 are eligible for jury service unless medically exempt. Living with diabetes does not automatically disqualify someone.
Eligibility considerations:
- The key question is whether you can manage your diabetes safely during court hours (which can be long and structured).
- If you need flexibility — for testing, eating, or taking medication — you can request reasonable adjustments through the Registrar of the Court.
Reasonable accommodations might include:
- Permission to carry hypo treatment, water, and snacks into court.
- Short breaks for glucose monitoring or bathroom use.
- A seat near an exit or aisle.
- Access to refrigeration for insulin.
Medical exemption:
If a clinician confirms that attending jury service poses a significant health risk (e.g. unstable glucose, complex insulin adjustments, severe hypoglycaemia unawareness), you can request an exemption by submitting a medical certificate.
Te Tiriti principle — Protection:
The justice system must ensure Māori with diabetes are not disproportionately excluded or disadvantaged by rigid processes or lack of cultural safety in the courts. Where diabetes is cited as a reason for exemption, care should be taken to distinguish between genuine medical need and systemic barriers (e.g. transport, cost, access to kai).
Other Legal and Public Service Roles
People with diabetes can hold positions as police officers, fire or emergency responders, judges, MPs, or public servants, subject to relevant health and safety assessments.
General approach:
- Diabetes itself is not a bar to public service.
- Where insulin or medications are used, fitness is assessed on the basis of individual stability and hypo awareness — not diagnosis alone.
- Employers and agencies must provide fair assessment, medical review, and appeal options.
Te Tiriti principle — Partnership:
Public agencies should work alongside Māori health providers to ensure health standards for public service roles are fair, culturally responsive, and not discriminatory toward Māori or Pasifika applicants living with diabetes.
Legal System Involvement as a Defendant, Witness, or Detainee
People living with diabetes who enter the justice system — as defendants, witnesses, or in custody — have the right to safe, timely, and culturally appropriate diabetes care.
Minimum standards:
- Access to prescribed insulin, CGM, or medications at correct times.
- Ability to store insulin safely and check glucose regularly.
- Access to kai at appropriate intervals.
- Access to health professionals who understand diabetes management.
In police custody or prison, the Department of Corrections and NZ Police must ensure:
- Staff are trained to recognise hypo/hyperglycaemia.
- Detainees have access to treatment supplies and equipment.
- Transfers to hospital are prompt when required.
Te Tiriti principle — Protection and Participation:
The justice system must acknowledge the disproportionate representation of Māori with chronic conditions in custody, and ensure health equity, continuity of care, and mana-preserving processes.
Driving and Legal Responsibilities
(See Driving with Diabetes for full details.)
However, it’s worth noting:
- You have a legal duty to notify NZTA if your condition affects your ability to drive safely.
- Failing to disclose may invalidate insurance or expose you to liability after an accident.
- Notification should never result in automatic loss of licence — only fair review and, if needed, short-term suspension until control is re-established.
Te Tiriti principle — Protection:
The system must ensure medical review fees, transport alternatives, and appeals are equitable and not disproportionately burdensome for rural Māori or low-income whānau.
Managing Diabetes During Civic Duties
Before attending court, polling, or civic events:
- Check blood glucose before and during proceedings.
- Carry hypo treatment and water at all times.
- Notify officials discreetly if you need a short break.
- Use CGM alerts in silent/vibration mode to avoid disruption.
- Ask for access to refrigeration for insulin if on extended duty.
Officials should respond respectfully, without singling out or questioning legitimacy.
Culturally Safe Practice
To honour Te Tiriti o Waitangi in civic participation:
- Court and civic facilities should provide safe spaces for medical management.
- All communication should be mana-enhancing and free from bias or deficit framing.
- Whānau inclusion is encouraged when planning accommodations.
- Training for court staff, returning officers, and public officials should include basic diabetes awareness and understanding of Māori health concepts.
- Public institutions should collect and monitor data on participation equity for Māori with long-term conditions, including diabetes.
What we need – System-Level Recommendations
- Ministry of Justice and Te Whatu Ora to co-design national diabetes accommodation protocols for jury service and civic participation.
- NZ Electoral Commission to ensure polling stations meet accessibility and diabetes safety standards.
- Corrections and Police to strengthen clinical pathways for diabetes care in custody.
- Public Service Commission to review occupational health policies to remove unnecessary exclusions.
- Community education on civic rights for people living with chronic conditions — co-delivered with Māori and Pasifika organisations.
Summary
Full participation in civic and legal life is both a human right and a Te Tiriti obligation.
People living with diabetes must be able to serve, vote, lead, and engage in justice processes without discrimination or harm.
An inclusive Aotearoa is one where the management of a long-term condition is never mistaken for incapacity — and where systems uphold the mana, safety, and participation of all people and whānau, in every sphere of life.
Page updated: October 2025
| LEGAL DISCLAIMER: The information on this website is provided for general educational purposes only and is intended for a New Zealand audience. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. While I strive to ensure accuracy and relevance, please always seek guidance from your healthcare provider for personal medical decisions. Use of the content is at your own risk. Links to other sites are for convenience and do not imply endorsement. |
