Keeping yourself safe in New Zealand
Although New Zealand is a relatively safe country to live in, it is important to know how to protect yourself, your family and your property.
Protecting yourself and your family
The New Zealand Police website has useful information and tips for keeping yourself and your family safe. It includes advice on:
- being safe at home and when out on the street or driving
- dealing with an intruder, prowler or burglar and securing your home
- setting limits on driving, alcohol and parties for your teenagers
- caring for your children.
Keeping safe — New Zealand Police
Advice for new arrivals — New Zealand Police
How to contact the New Zealand Police
In an emergency, call the New Zealand Police: 111
For non-emergencies, for example, if your car is stolen, call: 105
Calling 111 — New Zealand Police
Non-emergency calls — New Zealand Police
Protecting your property
On the New Zealand Police website, you will also find practical advice and checklists to help you protect your home and vehicle.
Protect your property and vehicles — New Zealand Police
- replacement policy — insured items will be replaced or repaired to new condition
- indemnity policy (present value) — the insured items will be put back in the same position they were in before the loss of damage occurred.
- if you can get publicly funded health care
- if you are eligible for full health care or only limited services
- what you need to prove you are eligible.
Most insurers offer a range of options for protecting the personal items in your home, whether you are a homeowner or a renter. It is important to calculate the value of the contents in your home, and arrange the appropriate level of cover.
Usually, there are 2 types of policy:
Home insurance is only needed if you own your property. It is calculated on a 'sum insured' basis, which means if your home needs to be rebuilt, the insurer will only pay the maximum sum that you specify when you take out your policy.
For most people with resident visas who live in New Zealand, health care and disability services are funded.
The Ministry of Health decides who is eligible for publicly funded services. If you qualify, you do not have to pay for public health services in New Zealand.
Check the Health New Zealand Te Whatu Ora website to find out:
Guide to eligibility for public health services — Health New Zealand Te Whatu Ora
Eligibility for a limited range of publicly funded health services — Health New Zealand Te Whatu Ora
If you are not eligible for subsidised public health care, you can still use the services, but you will probably have to pay for them.
If you want to take out health insurance in New Zealand, you may need to provide proof you are eligible for subsidised public health care. If you are not eligible, you should make sure that you have comprehensive travel insurance before you leave your home country.
If you are injured in an accident in New Zealand, you will not have to pay for healthcare services in most cases. The Accident Compensation Corporation (ACC), a government agency, provides personal injury cover for all New Zealand residents and visitors to New Zealand.
Neighbourhood Support
Many local communities have Neighbourhood Support groups where neighbours work together to make their communities safer and more caring.
These groups encourage neighbours to look out for anything unusual in the area and work together to deal with any natural disasters.
See if there is a group in your area. If not, you could start one yourself.
Contact — Neighbourhood Support New Zealand
Road safety
Driving in New Zealand might be different to what you are used to. For example:
- We drive on the left-hand side of the road.
- Steering wheels in vehicles are on the right.
- Our roads are sometimes narrow and winding.
- It can take longer to get somewhere than you think.
The New Zealand Transport Authority (NZTA) has a booklet that explains New Zealand's driving laws, and how to stay safe on our roads.
Seatbelts
Everyone in a vehicle must wear a seatbelt in New Zealand. Child restraint seats must be used for all children until 7 years of age. The NZTA has more information about child restraints.
Requirements for using child restraints — NZTA
Natural disasters
In New Zealand, earthquakes, floods, landslides, storms, tsunami, volcanic activity, and other hazards can happen with little warning.
If there is a natural disaster, listen to your radio or TV for advice from Civil Defence about what to do.
If there is a natural disaster
Safety outdoors
If you plan to spend time outdoors in New Zealand, make sure you check the weather and the relevant safety information first.
New Zealand Mountain Safety Council
Sun protection
In New Zealand, the sun delivers some of the highest levels of UV radiation in the world.
It is very easy to get sunburnt here — and getting burned increases the risk of skin cancer.
Health New Zealand has information on how to keep yourself and your family safe in the sun.
Sun smart — Health New Zealand Te Whatu Ora
Water safety
New Zealand is surrounded by water and has many lakes and rivers. Depending on what part of the country you are in, the water can be cold and dangerous. Sea and weather conditions can change quickly. Most drownings in New Zealand happen at beaches or when people are in boats on the sea, rivers or lakes.
If you plan to swim, fish or go out in a boat, make sure you always check the weather forecast first. Wear a life jacket and take safety equipment in your boat.
Find about more about water safety on the Water Safety New Zealand website.
Gun safety
You need a licence to own a firearm in New Zealand.
If you are interested in owning or using a rifle, handgun or any type of firearm for hunting or other sports, there are a number of laws and regulations that you must be aware of. The Firearms Safety Authority website has more information.
New Zealand offers opportunities for recreational hunting. Check the Firearms Safety Authority website for information and tips for safe hunting.
Safety around animals
New Zealand has many unique native fish, insects, birds, lizards and frogs. Animals like bears, lions, tigers and elephants are only found in zoos. There are no snakes in New Zealand.
New Zealand also has a lot of farm animals. It is important to treat any animals with respect and keep a safe distance — do not enter farms without permission.
Find out more about our native animals on the Department of Conservation website.
Native animals — Department of Conservation
Spiders
Most of the spiders in New Zealand are harmless, except for the katipō, redback and white-tailed spiders.
Find more information about harmful spiders in New Zealand and how to deal with spider bites.
Spiders in New Zealand — HealthEd
Internet safety
Online safety is more important than ever as people spend more and more time online. Anyone can be targeted by online bullying and scams. Young people and the elderly can be especially vulnerable to online exploitation.
Netsafe.org.nz has advice and tips for parents, young people, the elderly and business owners on their website. You can also report online safety and security incidents.