Kia Ora or Welcome to New Zealand. Whether you are coming to New Zealand for a short training course or to attend a longer study programme, we want your stay here to be a significant and enjoyable experience.
For many of you this will be your first time living away from home in a new country. There would be times you will feel lonely, lost and alone.
This guide is designed to help you prepare for your stay and give you practical advice about living and studying in New Zealand. It highlights some of the safety and security issues you need to be aware of and lists of organisations to contact if you need help.
By international standards, New Zealand is a safe country, with low levels of violence and street crime.
Much of the advice is common sense, but it can make a real difference! You can make yourself safe and protect your family, accommodation and belongings by following some of these simple suggestions.
The New Zealand government, especially the Ministry of Education, the Police and the community are working together keep all students safe while they are studying at school, college or university.
The staff at your learning institution are there to help you take care of yourself and settle happily into your local community. Police officers and some local community leaders can give practical advice about how to ensure your personal safety.
Taking the personal safety advice in this guide (and keeping your belongings safe when you arrive) should be one of your first priorities.
Please remember that the vast majority of international students enjoy a positive and rewarding experience in New Zealand; the suggestions that follow are intended to advise, to protect and keep you safe wherever you are at all times.
We hope that you find this guide helpful.You are now ready to leave your country. You have packed your suitcase, said goodbye to loved ones and friends and are eager to make your dream come through. But before you leave, here are some important reminders as you prepare to come to New Zealand.
In the excitement of arriving in a new country, it can be easy to become distracted and lose items, especially as you get on and off planes, trains and buses. The following are some practical advices for when you first arrive in New Zealand.
If you need to leave your luggage somewhere while you change money or make telephone calls, find an official ‘baggage /storage office’ (available at airports and at major rail and bus stations). For a small fee, you will be able to leave your luggage in a secure area or in lockers and collect your items later.
Keep the telephone number of your college or university handy. You never know when you will need to tell them about a change of plans or ask for help or directions.
The police in New Zealand are friendly, helpful and not to be feared. They have a duty to protect everyone and can always be safely approached anytime. They are committed to crime prevention and work closely with educational institutions, their staff, the community and the students to promote student safety .
Once you have arrived in New Zealand, the Immigration Service will register your stay in the country. A date is provided with which your stay in the country is valid. The International Student Services at the institution you are attending will have to record this as soon as you arrive. You will also have to inform them of your contact details and provide names of persons both in your home country and here in New Zealand, preferably someone living in the same city with you, that they can contact in case of an emergency. Make sure you return forms the International Office asks from you.
If you do have anything stolen, are assaulted, followed or threatened, you can contact the police, who will always encourage you to report the incident. Do not worry about language difficulties as the police will find someone, free of charge, who speaks your language. You can tell your tutor, international support/welfare officer, your host family, security on campus, or someone you can trust who can contact the police on your behalf - or you can even do it anonymously meaning without identifying yourself.
Your local police station can also provide helpful advice about crime prevention. They also provide the official certificate an insurance company will want if you need to make an insurance claim for a theft.
In an emergency where there is a danger to life or a crime is in progress you can contact the police, fire brigade or ambulance by dialling 111 from any telephone. This call is free of charge but should be used only when there is real and urgent danger. When you call, ask for the service which is most needed (e.g., police please), and the other emergency services will be alerted if needed. Stay calm when making the call, and do not hang up. Give your name, address, town and telephone number to the operator answering your call. Answer questions slowly and clearly.
To report a non-emergency minor crime (such as theft), call your local police station – you can find their number in the telephone directory. Alternatively you can ask someone you know and trust to make the call for you.
The Police also allow people to telephone anonymously with information about criminals or crimes. Just tell them what you know about a crime, not who you are.
The laws in New Zealand may be different from those in your home country. This especially applies to the use of tobacco, alcohol and self-defence sprays.
You can find a guide to New Zealand laws at www.lawaccess.govt.nz.
If you need legal assistance, there are a number of organisations that can help you:
New Zealand’s population is increasingly diverse and made up of many religions and ethnic groups. New Zealand has a tolerant society that believes in respecting the rights of minority groups.
This belief is supported by law: the Human Rights Act (1993) works towards the elimination of racial discrimination and the promotion of equal opportunity between people of different racial groups.
If you suffer any form of racial discrimination or harassment, report it to your institution. They will have a formal procedure to help individuals who feel they have been discriminated against. You can also report it to the Human Rights Commission, who will provide information and advice to anyone who thinks they have suffered racial discrimination or harassment.
You can contact the Human Rights Commission on 0800 4 YOUR RIGHTS (0800 496 877) or find out more from their website at www.hrc.co.nz or email infoline@hrc.co.nz.
New Zealand has an official Code of Practice For the Pastoral Care of International Students which all learning institutions need to follow. It spells out what standards and services need to be provided for international students while they are studying in New Zealand. If you want to see a copy of this Code of Practice or have questions or concerns about how you are being treated, see someone at the International Student Services at your learning institution.
Public transport in New Zealand is reliable, relatively inexpensive and convenient to use.
Here are some tips on using it safely:
Auckland:
www.maxx.co.nz (bus, train, ferry and cycle information)
Christchurch:
www.metroinfo.org.nz (city and suburban bus services)
www.redbus.co.nz (city and suburban bus service)
Palmerston North:
http://www.horizons.govt.nz/getting-people-places/passenger-transport/ (link to fare and timetable information for a city bus service)
Wellington:
www.metlink.org.nz (bus, train and ferry information, also see Stagecoach)
National services:
www.intercity.co.nz (national bus service)
www.kiwirailscenic.co.nz (national train service)
National road and city maps: www.wises.co.nz
There will probably be times when you need to take a taxi during your stay in New Zealand, for instance, when you first arrive here or after a night out. If you don’t feel safe walking home, use a taxi.
However, you do need to be aware of some basic safety guidelines about using them. Here are some helpful tips:
As an international student you must make sure you fulfil the legal requirements and are aware of the New Zealand road rules and practices before you drive here.
You must have a licence that allows you to drive in New Zealand, issued or approved by Land Transport New Zealand. If you have a driving licence that was issued in your home country, or an International Driving Permit, you are allowed to drive in New Zealand for only one year.
However, if you still want to continue driving after living here for 12 months, you must apply for a New Zealand driver’s licence. To get a driver’s license you have to pass a driving theory and practical test. Driving without a New Zealand driver’s licence after living here for more than 12 months is illegal.
To drive a car or ride a motorcycle in New Zealand you must be 15 years old to hold a restricted licence, and 17 years old to hold a full licence. The Road Code is a government publication that provides a summary of New Zealand traffic law and has pictures of all the road signs used in New Zealand. You can buy this book at most good bookshops or AA centres or read it online at www.landtransport.govt.nz.
There are several ways that driving in New Zealand is different than driving in other countries. New Zealanders drive on the left hand side of the road and overtake on the right. Sometimes you share lanes with other road users such as cyclists. Seat belts must be worn at all times. It is illegal to use a hand-held mobile phone or send or read text messages while driving. You must not drive while under the influence of alcohol or drugs and you must observe all speed limits. Remember, pedestrians have the right of way when on pedestrian crossings. Special rules also apply when you tow a trailer.
Here are a few more tips to help you drive safely in New Zealand.
It is important for you to have suitable, safe accommodation while you are studying in New Zealand. Start making arrangements as soon as you have been accepted to your programme – this is especially important if you are planning to bring your family with you.
You should make sure you have some form of accommodation before you arrive in New Zealand, temporary or otherwise. It would be a good idea to register your accommodation or address with your Embassy or Consulate so you can be contacted in case of an emergency or disaster.
The institution you are enrolled in must provide you with accommodation, even if it is only temporary. You can get information about accommodation owned by private landlords from the accommodation office at your institution. Contact them as soon as you are accepted into your programme to find out what accommodation is available. Some institutions may have hostels or other accommodation located within or attached to the university you are attending. Here are some tips to help you find safe, private accommodation:
Under new Zealand law, all international students are required to have insurance. Your Studentsafe insurance policy complies with this law.
Being safe in your own home is very important. Here are some practical suggestions on keeping yourself safe at home.
If you smell gas anywhere, either in the house or in the street, call your gas company or the emergency services (111). If it is in your own house and it is safe to do so, turn off the gas supply and open the windows and doors.
Generally speaking, it is safe to walk on the streets in New Zealand, although you should avoid walking alone at night and use your common sense wherever you are.
As you are now living on your own, you must learn to be careful and look after your belongings. Some are expensive and difficult to replace at the same time, your insurance cannot guarantee that it will repay your losses. Do not be negligent.
The following help lines and websites offer sensitive and impartial information and support by telephone and on the internet. Information and advice in most cases is free and confidential. Remember, these organisations are there to help you, so do not hesitate to contact them if you need assistance.
A website with resources and links to help with alcohol and drug problems.
www.adac.co.nz or www.adanz.org.nz
Trained volunteers are available to give information about problems with drugs or alcohol - or just listen.
Telephone 0800 787 797 (10am – 10pm, 7 days)
The Migrant Resource Centre can help new ‘Kiwis’ adjust with advice, support and a range of resources.
Telephone 09 625 2440
www.arms-mrc.org.nz
The CAB service helps people resolve their money, legal and other problems by providing information and advice. Their advice is free and confidential, and they have local centres all over the country.
www.cab.org.nz
Telephone 0800 FOR CAB (0800 367 222) or 09 625 3090 (multilingual service)
Access to free legal information and advice.
www.lawaccess.govt.nz/cls.aspx
This webpage lists the contact details for all the local centres in New Zealand.
The Police website has useful information and resources about crime prevention and other issues like domestic violence, malicious telephone calls, neighbourhood support and more. The website can be read in many languages. www.police.govt.nz/safety/
The Ministry of Health has health information and advice on their website. www.health.govt.nz/your-health
Talk to a registered nurse about any health concerns free, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
Telephone 0800 611 116
Tenancy Services, part of the Department of Building and Housing, has information about most aspects of renting accommodation in New Zealand.
www.dbh.govt.nz
Telephone 0800 242 243 (Department of Building and Housing)
0800 TENANCY (836 6262) or +64 4 238 4695 (from overseas)
Bond Information 0800 737 606
This website gives you information about the procedures and laws which govern the Immigration Service in New Zealand.
www.immigration.govt.nz
Telephone 0508 558 855 or 09 914 400 (Auckland)
Full information on driving and traffic laws in New Zealand.
www.landtransport.govt.nz
info@landtransport.govt.nz
Telephone 0800 699 000 (General Road Safety)
0800 822 422 (Driver Licensing)
This is a free telephone interpreting service for speakers of little or no English. Check that it is used by the government department you want to talk to. It runs Monday – Friday from 9 am to 6 pm.
www.languageline.govt.nz
Language.Line@dia.govt.nz
This free, anonymous and confidential service has volunteers who will listen and provide a sounding board in times of personal distress or conflict 24 hours a day.
Telephone 0800 543 354 or 09 522 2999 (Auckland area)
0800 888 880 or 09 522 2088 (Chinese speakers)
www.lifeline.org.nz
This organisation works for the welfare and rights of students in New Zealand.
www.students.org.nz
This is a helpline for those who have concerns about their or someone else’s gambling. The service is available in a number of languages.
Telephone 0800 862 342
Help for women who have suffered rape, sexual abuse, attack or harassment.
www.rpe.org.nz
The Samaritans provide confidential support to individuals in emotional distress.
Telephone: check the local phone book for the local number
A directory of student accommodation and associated links.
www.studentaccommodation.co.nz/
This website gives general information on studying in New Zealand and other countries.
www.studyoverseas.com/study-in-new-zealand/
This service allows you to have important official documents translated.
www.dia.govt.nz/Services-Translation-Index (services/translation service)
translate@parliament.govt.nz
Telephone 0800 TRANSLATE (872 675)
An organisation that helps people cope with the effects of crime. They provide free and confidential support and information to help individuals deal with their experiences.
www.victimsupport.org.nz
Supportline: 0800 VICTIM (842 846) (24 hours)
Offers support and a place of safety to abused women and children.
www.womensrefuge.org.nz
Telephone: Crisisline: 0800 REFUGE or 0800 733 84
Especially for teenagers and young adults, this service provides free, anonymous and confidential service for those who want to talk about personal issues 24 hours a day.
www.youthline.co.nz
Telephone 0800 376 633 Text: 234
talk@youthline.co.nz