This chapter begins with a brief overview of the historical background, leading into the current social context and a consideration of the social movements and issues that generate dissent and shape the context for conscientious objection in New Zealand. It then identifies and examines the relevant principles, doctrines and definitions including ‘religion’, contemporary forms of ‘belief’ and matters of conscience. Moving on to consider the principle of conscientious objection and the related exemptions, it tracks the evolving policy as applied consecutively to oaths, military service, abortion and other health issues, same sex relationships, euthanasia etc. It then states the relavant legal framework, domestic and international legislation and the court system. The core of the chapter begins with an appraisal of the relationship between fundamental human rights and conscience before launching into a systematic study of the issues lying at the heart of the conscientious objection/equality law intersect. This it does by considering illustrative caselaw in relation to: public health matters; social care services; national defence/asylum seekers; public education; employment; and commercial services.