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Travelling with a criminal conviction

Reviewed: 21 January 2020, 11:29 NZDT

Other countries' border control authorities may refuse entry to New Zealand citizens with a criminal record, in accordance with their regulations. This may be regardless of the seriousness of the crime the New Zealander committed, or how much time has passed since the conviction occurred. All New Zealand citizens with a criminal record are urged to consult with the relevant country's embassy or immigration authority to check tha...read more

Inter-country adoptions

Reviewed: 21 January 2020, 11:17 NZDT

Inter-country adoptions take time and money. New Zealand is a contracting state to the Hague Convention on Protection of Children and Co-operation in Respect of Inter-country Adoption. It is extremely important to seek independent legal advice and consult Child, Youth and Family before embarking on an inter-country adoption. You must ensure that any child adopted overseas by a New Zealander is able to lawfully exit the country they are in, ...read more

Pacific Cyclone Season: 1 November to 30 April

Reviewed: 17 January 2020, 15:20 NZDT

The Pacific cyclone season began on 1 November and runs until 30 April.New Zealanders travelling to the Pacific are encouraged to register their details with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade. Travellers who register can be warned if a major cyclone approaches and given advice on precautions to take. We can also make contact with you following a significant cyclone to check on your well-being.If you are in an area affected by a cyclo...read more

Measles

Reviewed: 23 December 2019, 13:39 NZDT

Measles is a highly infectious virus that spreads easily from person to person through the air, via breathing, coughing and sneezing. It affects both children and adults. The New Zealand Ministry of Health is advising people travelling overseas to make sure they are fully immunised against measles before they go. Given the current outbreaks of measles in Samoa, Tonga, Fiji and the Philippines the Ministry of Health is asking primary care provid...read more

India: Severe Air Pollution

Reviewed: 17 December 2019, 11:46 NZDT

Major cities in India are currently experiencing severe levels of air pollution. Some of the most common health effects of air pollution include irritation of eyes, throat and lungs. For people with existing respiratory conditions such as asthma or bronchitis, breathing in air pollution can make these conditions worse. New Zealanders in areas affected by the air pollution are advised to monitor pollution readings, such as those provid...read more

Drug Crime Overseas: Don't Risk It

Reviewed: 17 December 2019, 11:44 NZDT

Every year New Zealanders put themselves at risk of arrest or detention for drug-related offences overseas. Remember that when you are overseas you are subject to that country's laws and penalties - no matter how harsh they may appear by New Zealand standards. In many countries, penalties for drug-related offences are severe. Possession, use or trafficking of even very small quantities of drugs can lead to lengthy imprisonment thousands of miles...read more

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Please note, only consular emergencies, for example death, arrest, illness or injury to New Zealand citizens will be handled outside office hours.

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