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Active notices

• • Global Measles

Vaccines

Recommended:

Staying safe

• •The main emergency number in New Zealand is 111, and can be used to contact ambulance, the fire service, police, the coastguard, and rescue services.
• •Deaf people can contact emergency services by fax on 0800 16 16 10, and by textphone/TTY on 0800 161 616. It is possible to send an SMS to 111, but you must register with police first.
• •Full instructions are on the inside front cover of every telephone book. Other emergency numbers and personal crisis numbers are on pages 2 to 4 of the white pages section.
• •Crime and security: While difficult to compare directly, crime rates in New Zealand are generally similar to other Western countries.
• •Violent incidents are relatively rare and most often linked to alcohol or drug use, especially in nightlife areas.
• •Although random violent crimes against tourists are extremely rare, they do occasionally occur, typically in isolated areas with few witnesses.

Staying healthy

• •New Zealand has very high levels of ultraviolet radiation, around 40% more intense than you will find in the Mediterranean during summer, and consequently has high rates of skin cancer.
• •Smog is a perennial winter problem in many South Island towns and cities, especially Alexandra, Christchurch and Timaru.
• •New Zealand has high and equitable standards of professional health care, comparable with Sweden or Australia.
• •Tap water in New Zealand is regarded as some of the cleanest in the world; it is safe to drink in all cities.
• •It is also recommended that you are up-to-date with vaccinations for whooping cough (pertussis) and measles, as there have been sporadic outbreaks, especially among children and teenagers.
• •Medical care: Healthcare in New Zealand is generally of a similar standard to other developed countries. In certain situations, the government will provide subsidize medical costs.