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Living in a foreign culture is an experience we often look forward to with excitement and enthusiasm. However, many of us are often unprepared for the extent of the cultural dissimilarity we encounter. Culture shock is a very real phenomenon and all international students entering a foreign culture are affected by it in some way.
The automatic responses you used in your home country may not be applicable in New Zealand. It is common for international students to experience feelings of euphoria upon arriving in New Zealand, often called the honeymoon period. Everything appears new and exciting. However upon settling into the routine of study people may experience feelings of frustration, loneliness or uneasiness. Remember that feelings of frustration or uneasiness are a natural part of adapting to a new culture.
Sometimes you may feel as if you lack direction, not knowing what to do or how to do things in New Zealand, and not knowing what is appropriate and inappropriate. Often the way that you lived or behaved before is not accepted or considered normal in the new place.
Here are some other possible symptoms of culture shock you may experience:
· You may feel isolated or frustrated
· You may become homesick
· You may experience anger or hostility toward your new home
· You may become overly dependent upon other students
· You may doubt your decision to come to New Zealand
You may experience one or more of these symptoms, and different people will experience them in varying degrees of intensity. It is important for you to realise that you will probably experience culture shock before you begin your cultural adaptation, and that this is normal.
Ways to cope with culture shock
Below are some ways that you might want to try to combat culture shock.
· Remember that experiencing culture shock is a normal part of the adaptation process.
· Don't put too much pressure on yourself, adapting will take time. Be patient.
· Keep a journal, it can really show you how you're doing if you read what you wrote when you first arrived and compare it to several months later.
· Talk to someone who has been through the cultural adaptation process. This person can probably give you a positive perspective on the experience you are having.
· Be open-minded and try to remember that New Zealand is a different country to your home country. People will behave in ways that may seem to you odd or even rude, but you must try to avoid judging New Zealanders by your own cultural standards.
· Keep yourself busy and active; keep your mind occupied.
· Maintain contact with other International students. This will give you a feeling of belonging and you will reduce your feelings of loneliness and alienation.
· Don't forget about all the good things about the experience of living in New Zealand.
· Exercise or develop a hobby.
· Establish simple goals and evaluate your progress.
· Try to get involved in activities outside your studies, perhaps with other international students or peoples in New Zealand.
Once you begin to understand New Zealand culture you will not feel as lost and will begin to gain a sense of direction. You will realise that the New Zealand culture, like any culture, has positive and negative aspects. Remember that there is always someone or some service available to help you.
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What's different about driving in New Zealand?
You can find out what's different about driving in New Zealand on the NZ Transport Agency website.
International Driving Licences and Permits
You can legally drive in New Zealand for up to 12 months if you have either a current driver's licence from your home country or an International Driving Permit (IDP). After 12 months you are required to convert to a New Zealand licence. This applies to each visit to New Zealand.
In New Zealand all drivers, including visitors from other countries, must carry their licence or permit at all times when driving. You will only be able to drive the same types of vehicles you are licensed to drive in your home country. The common legal age to rent a car in New Zealand is 21 years.
Make sure your driver's licence is current. If your licence is not in English, you must bring an English translation with you or obtain an IDP. Contact your local automobile club for further details about obtaining a translation or an IDP.
A translation of your overseas licence or permit can be issued by:
- The New Zealand Translation Service, or
- A diplomatic representative at a high commission, embassy or consulate, or
- The authority that issued your overseas licence (an international driving permit may be acceptable as a translation).
It is important to note that if you are caught driving without an acceptable English translation or an IDP, you may be prosecuted for driving unlicensed or for driving without an appropriate licence and will be liable for an infringement fee of NZ$400 or up to NZ$1,000 on conviction in court.
The Police also have the power to forbid an unlicensed driver to drive until they have an appropriate licence. If you continue to drive after being forbidden, the vehicle you are driving will be impounded for 28 days, at the vehicle owner's expense. You may also risk not being covered by your insurance in the event of a crash.
Safety Tips for Driving
Read our safety tips to help you get the most out of driving on New Zealand's roads.
Road Rules
New Zealanders drive on the left-hand side of the road. Drivers give way (or yield) to all traffic crossing or approaching from the right.
The speed limit is 100km/h on the open road and 50km/h in urban areas. You will find multi-lane motorways and expressways on the approaches to the larger cities, with most roads being dual carriageways. Signposting follows standard international symbols and all distances are in kilometres (km).
Both drivers and passengers must wear a safety belt in both the front and back seats. All children under the age of five must be properly restrained by an approved child restraint when travelling in cars or vans.
Get plenty of sleep before a long drive. Take regular breaks - one every two hours and when you get sleepy.
Do not drink alcohol before driving in New Zealand, drinking and driving laws are strictly enforced.
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Most people have felt homesick (when you miss family and friends at home) at some time. Beginning life and study in a new country can generate both excitement and anxiety about the move, the study, and meeting new people. The most common times to feel homesick are several weeks before leaving home, or in the first few days or weeks of arriving. Or you might initially be feeling okay, only to find yourself feeling homesick later on, perhaps around a birthday, or at the start of your second year.
Away from home you may find it more difficult to cope with problems that may arise. Feeling homesick is normal. Here are a few suggestions that may help you:
· Talk to someone you trust about it. If you haven't made friends here, then try talking to a teacher, tutor, nurse, chaplain or counsellor at your education provider
· Remember that other people will have similar feelings, even though you think they may be doing fine
· Keep in regular contact with family and friends at home; email, phone or write letters . Don't be afraid to tell them how you're really feeling and of any problems. Let them know you want to hear from them
· Remember to get plenty of sleep and to eat good food
· Give yourself enough time to adjust, you don't have to get everything right straight away. Learn from your mistakes
· You don't have to rush into making major decisions, for example about staying or leaving
· Be realistic about what to expect from student life and from yourself. Seek new opportunities. Get involved in an activity you enjoy or try new ones in your spare time, when you're not studying. At the start of the academic year many new people will be joining clubs and groups - and you are unlikely to be the only new person
· If you are finding study too hard, talk to your teacher, advisor or the staff at Student Learning Support. Can you improve your study or time management skills?
· Discover and become familiar with your neighbourhood or town
· Write a diary to record your experiences and thoughts
· Try something new or involve yourself in some activity. Don't wait for feelings of homesickness to disappear automatically. Problems can show up later as headaches, tiredness, illness, or lack of motivation. If you stop being able to do normal social and academic things, get professional help from your doctor or the counselling service at your education provider.
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New Zealand has a broad selection of home-grown and imported food. We are a major producer of pasture-fed lamb, venison and beef. We also produce dairy products (made with real milk) and there is plenty of fruit and vegetables. Most of the major cities have shops or areas where you can buy food from different parts of the world, so you should be able to find food that is familiar. The tap water in New Zealand is safe to drink: it does not need to be boiled.
New Zealand food may seem a little strange. It may be cooked differently and may taste different to what you are used to, due to differing ingredients, seasoning and cooking methods. Bread and potatoes are staple foods rather than rice or noodles.
Breakfast is often informal and each person in a family may prepare their own. The midday meal is not a family meal, and often cold food is prepared at home and eaten at school or work. The main meal of the day, dinner, is eaten in the evening. Dinner is usually served on one big plate.
With a change in diet, you may find that you put on weight. You should be able to keep your weight at a healthy level if you exercise, for example, walk all or part of the way to your school or institution and home each day, and eat plenty of fresh fruit and vegetables. Alternatively, you may want to take up another form of activity like going to the gym or playing some sport.
Where to buy food - supermarkets
Most New Zealanders go to the supermarket weekly to buy food for the coming week. You can buy almost everything you need to eat at supermarkets. They sell groceries, fruit and vegetables, meat and fish, and essential household and personal items like cleaning equipment, light bulbs, rubbish bags, toiletry items as well as newspapers and magazines. Opening hours vary, but in the main cities they are usually open between 8am-8pm or later, 7 days a week.
Where to buy Asian ingredients
There are many Asian people living in New Zealand and Asian food shops are common (see 'Asian Foods' in the Telecom Yellow Pages for example). Supermarkets will also generally sell a selection of Asian ingredients. Asian language newspapers advertise local Asian supermarkets and stores.
Weekend Markets
Many cities and towns also have weekend markets or 'flea markets' where fresh fruit and vegetables and/or a range of goods are sold, often at very reasonable prices. Ask locally to find out whether your city or town has one.
What are dairies?
Dairies are small, convenience stores usually located near where you're living. They sell a range of things such as newspapers, bread, milk, Coca-Cola, personal items and condoms. Dairies sell essential items, but do not usually sell meat or fish. Dairies are expensive compared to supermarkets. Opening hours vary but will usually be from 7am-7pm. In the cities, 24-hour convenience stores e.g. Starmart, also operate.
What do petrol stations sell?
In addition to selling petrol (gasoline) and vehicle accessories, petrol stations also sell a range of essential items but the prices are more expensive than at supermarkets.
Eating out
New Zealand is a multicultural society with a large number of restaurants and cafes offering dishes from around the world. Chinese and other Asian food is popular, although the taste may be different to what you are used to.
Food courts are an economical option for eating out. They can be found at shopping malls and in large cinema complexes. Food courts offer food from around the world (e.g. Chinese, Indian, Japanese, Malaysian, Thai, Turkish, Italian etc).
Depending on where you choose, you can eat out for as little as NZ$8 for lunch and NZ$12 - 15 for dinner.
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New Zealanders often choose to walk where possible. Walking is good exercise and safe during the day. Try not to travel alone at night. When travelling at any time, take all the normal precautions you would at home. If you do have any travel queries, or questions on how to get around the city you are in or New Zealand, you can visit your local I-SITE Visitors Centres
Bicycles - cycling/biking
Riding a bicycle is a popular form of transport for short journeys and mountainbiking off-road is a popular sport. Under New Zealand law, you must wear a helmet when cycling, and you must have front and back lights on at night. Road rules apply to cyclists (refer to 'Cars and Driving' on p. 28 for how to get a copy of the Road Code.)
What public transport is best for you?
Public transport varies because of the small numbers of people using it at certain times, e.g. outside of the regular commuting times in the morning (7:30am – 9am) and evenings (5pm – 7pm). However, there will generally always be some form of public transport available in your area. Student discounts are offered on some public transport. Check before you buy your ticket.
Buses
Find out from local people, your education provider or host family about the local bus service. You will need to get a bus timetable. In most larger towns and cities buses will be regular throughout the day but less regular on weekends. During off-peak times, check the timetable before you go to the bus stop. Timetables are available in shops, are posted at bus stops and are also available on the internet.
At rush hours the buses can get full. In New Zealand there is a limit to the number of people who can ride on a bus at a time. If a bus is full, it will not stop at the bus stop to pick more people up. If you do take a bus late at night, sit near the driver rather than at the back of the bus.
There is a network of long distance buses that travel throughout New Zealand.
Trains
There are two local train lines in Auckland, and more in Wellington. If you live near a train line these can be good mode for daily travel. There are very few long distance trains. Check with a local travel agent if you are planning long distance travel or look under Tranzrail in your local telephone book or go to: http://www.tranzmetro.co.nz. If you ride a train late at night, it's safest to sit in the driver's carriage.
Taxis
Taxis cost more than other public transport but can be good for occasions when several people are sharing the fare or when public transport is inconvenient or not available, such as late at night.
Ferries
Parts of Auckland and Wellington are well served by efficient harbour ferries that can be fast, economical and pleasurable ways to travel. A very regular "Interisland" ferry service operates between the North and South Islands. Free phone 0800 802 802 or go to: www.interislandline.co.nz
Aeroplanes
You can travel by plane to most parts of New Zealand. This form of transport costs the most but it's also the quickest. If you buy your tickets in advance or over the internet, you may save money. You will need a credit card to book and purchase flights over the internet. When you check in at the airport you will be given a seat number on the plane. Generally, you will need to arrive at the airport at least 30 minutes before your departure time. It is also important to take photo ID with you if you are using an E-Ticket (electronic ticket).
The main domestic airlines are listed below:
Air New Zealand: www.airnewzealand.co.nz
Qantas New Zealand: www.qantas.co.nz
Jetstar: www.jetstar.co.nz
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The laws operate to protect the rights of all people in New Zealand, including visitors and international students like you. New Zealand law may be different to the law in your home country, but this is no excuse for not obeying the law and not knowing New Zealand law is also not an acceptable excuse.
Keeping safe
New Zealand has an international reputation as a safe and friendly country but you should still take all the security precautions you would take in your own country or anywhere else in the world. For example, you should look after your belongings, not carry large amounts of cash, and not do things that you know to be against the law.
You need to be over 18 before you can purchase alcohol or cigarettes. Smoking cannabis is illegal. If you need advice about other things, for example, personal security or legal welfare issues, ask the student welfare officer or department at your education provider.
Violence
In New Zealand you are breaking the law if you hit, punch, kick or in any way assault another person, or have sexual contact without the other person's consent. Violence is unacceptable wherever it happens and whoever the victim is, even amongst family members. The New Zealand Police take all violence very seriously – call them if you need help (dial 111 in an emergency and ask for the Police).
Safety in public places
There can be times, locations or circumstances when there are concerns in public places. Being aware of these, and doing things safely will reduce risks to your safety.
Street safety
Be aware and take notice of what's around you. Check street signs so you know where you are and if you need to call the Police you can be easily located. Keep to areas where other people are about, and that are well lit at night. Avoid vacant blocks, parks or shortcuts through alleys or waste ground, and do not walk close to arcade entrances or areas where a person might be hiding.
Body language is important. A person who is confident, walking upright and briskly is less likely to become a victim. There may be times when it's best not to walk through a group of people. Cross the road to avoid contact.
Plan for a friend to pick you up or take a taxi rather than walk alone at night. If you feel uncomfortable in a situation, take steps to keep yourself safe. Consider:
· Covering up expensive jewellery when walking
· Keeping your house and car keys separate in case your handbag or bag is snatched
· Carrying a personal alarm or mobile phone
· Telling family, friends or colleagues of your plans
If you think you are being followed
If you think someone is following you, cross the street, more than once if necessary, vary your pace and change direction, to confirm your suspicions. If someone is following you, go as quickly as possible to the nearest place where there will be other people. This could be a service station, fast-food outlet, or house with lights on. Call the Police immediately.
Pubs, clubs and parties
If you use drugs or drink more than a moderate level of alcohol it will lower your awareness and increase the risk to your safety. Your ability to be in control and react to a situation can be affected.
Potentially unsafe situations are:
· Leaving a party or pub with a person you have just met
· Accepting a car-ride from a stranger or someone you have just met (e.g. at a pub)
· Walking home alone
· Driving after taking drugs or alcohol (this can be illegal)
Other people who have taken drugs or alcohol can threaten your safety. Be aware that:
· Warning signs are when people are pushy, rude, or over-familiar
· Your drink could be spiked (have drugs added without you knowing)
· It's safer to go out with a friend or in a group
· It's safest to have someone allocated to drive who isn't drinking, or to take a taxi
· A well-managed venue will have staff who watch for troublemakers
In an emergency
If you need immediate medical help (for example, because of an accident), need to talk to the Police or to report a fire, phone 111. The call is free. A person will ask you which service you need (Fire, Police, or Ambulance). Be ready to tell them what has happened and where you are. If someone is injured and needs to go to hospital, an ambulance will arrive and take them.
If you need urgent medical treatment, but are well enough to travel, you can also make your own way to an Accident and Emergency centre or hospital or ask a friend to take you, (refer to p. 38 for information on health services).
If it's not possible to make a phone call go as quickly as possible to the nearest place where there are other people. This could be a service station, fast-food outlet, or a house with lights on. If you can't do this, make lots of noise to attract attention. As soon as you can, go to a safe place and dial 111 and ask for the emergency service you need (e.g. Fire, Police, or Ambulance).
The Police
There are several organisations in New Zealand concerned with public safety. The Police are there to help anyone at any time.
When you move into your accommodation, find out where your local Police Station is, and its phone number. You can go to your local Police station for help or phone them. Look in your local telephone book for the number, or go to: www.police.govt.nz
The Police have access to a FREE telephone interpreting service called Language Line. It operates from Monday to Friday 10am - 6pm. When you contact the Police either in person or face to face, just ask for Language Line and your language (e.g. Language Line Mandarin). Language Line is available in 35 languages. For further details, go to: www.languageline.govt.nz
If there is a crime, the Police will investigate and advise you about follow-up action. They will tell you about other support services that may be helpful, such as Victim Support, which helps people who have been the victim of a crime, accident or emergency. Look under 'Victim Support' in your local telephone book. The Police also have quick access to interpreters who can help explain things if necessary.
Your local branch of the Community Law Centre may also be able to provide advice and assistance. These centres provide free advice on New Zealand laws and legal procedures. Many cities and towns have Community Law Centres; the phone number will be in your local telephone book.
You should also tell the student welfare person or department at your education provider as they will be able to offer support and may be able to help you when you are dealing with the Police.
A publication on 'your rights as a victim', in several languages, is on the Ministry of Justice website go to: www.justice.govt.nz. (look under "Information and Publications" then "Victims").
If you are accused of a crime
If you are arrested, you have the right to contact a lawyer as soon as possible. If you appear in court, you will need a lawyer. There will be a lawyer at the court who will give you legal help, or you can hire your own lawyer. Lawyers are in the best position to advise you on your legal rights. You also have the right to contact your Embassy and your family. You can also contact your local Community Law Centre (in your local telephone book) for information and advice about New Zealand laws.
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The laws of New Zealand require people and organisations to pay taxes. New Zealand residents must pay income tax in New Zealand on their world-wide income. The residence rules set out in the tax laws are different from the normal citizenship rules. You can be a resident for tax purposes but not hold New Zealand citizenship.
As an individual, you are a New Zealand resident for tax purposes if you are in New Zealand for more than 183 days in any 12-month period or if you have an enduring relationship with New Zealand (such as family living here, the intention to stay for a long time or you keep personal possessions here permanently).
The tax rate on your income depends on how much you earn. If your income is less than $38,000, the tax rate is 19.5%. If your income is between $38,001 and $60,000 the tax rate is 33% or, if you earn over $60,000, the tax rate is 39%.
What is an IRD number and do I need one?
Any person, individual or business required to pay tax and/or wanting to work in New Zealand will need to get a tax number (IRD number) from the Inland Revenue Department. To get an IRD number you'll need to produce a verified copy of your birth certificate or passport, complete the appropriate application form and send it to Inland Revenue.
Most people who employ you will deduct your tax from your salary and send it to Inland Revenue for you. You do not have to save a portion of your salary to pay to the government at the end of the tax year. Some employers will offer you "cash in hand" for casual contract work and odd jobs. This is illegal.
Tax on interest bearing bank accounts
The tax rate on interest bearing bank accounts depends on your income level. If your income is less than NZ$38,000, the tax rate is 19.5%. If your income is between NZ$38,001 and NZ$60,000 the tax rate is 33% or, if you earn over NZ$60,000, the tax rate is 39%. You will have to nominate the tax rate that fits your situation. If you do not have an IRD number the tax rate on an interest bearing account is 45%. If you pay New Zealand tax you can put in a tax return after 31 March each year to see if you are eligible for a refund.
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There are good professional health services in New Zealand, including doctors, pharmacies, dentists and hospitals. It's a good idea to find out where the local doctor, dentist and hospital are located in case you get sick or have teeth problems. The local telephone book has a section at the front that lists hospitals, medical centres (local doctor's clinics) and dentists.
You must have medical insurance
Having medical insurance to cover all your dental, medical, specialist and hospital costs is compulsory (from 1 January 2004) for all international students. Your medical insurance policy will be checked by your school or institution to make sure it meets the coverage requirements.
Access to free health and disability services
You will only be eligible to free health and disability services if you were already in New Zealand before 30 October 2003 and on a Student Permit for two or more years, or you were on a 12-month Student Permit and have renewed or extended your Student Permit to let you stay in New Zealand for at least one more year.
For more information on the New Zealand health system go to: www.moh.govt.nz and look under 'Eligibility for Health Services', then 'Student'.
Visiting a doctor
You can choose any doctor or medical centre close to where you are living or close to where you are studying. The local doctor (General Practitioner, or GP) is often the first contact with a health professional for New Zealanders when they have a health problem. GPs work in local medical centres or clinics, not hospitals. You should go to see a GP (at a medical centre or clinic) if you have a non-emergency illness. You need to call the centre or clinic and make an appointment to see a doctor or nurse. In the case of an emergency, you should go directly to the hospital.
Your medical insurance may cover the costs for visits to the doctor. Most GPs charge between NZ$30 and NZ$60 a visit.
Drugs from the pharmacy and tests
You, or your medical insurance, will also have to pay for any medicines that you need. A doctor writes a prescription for these and a pharmacy or chemist provides the medicine the doctor prescribes for you. The cost will depend on the particular medication you are prescribed. Charges will also apply to any diagnostic tests (such as blood tests) from a laboratory.
Going to the dentist
Dental care (except for eligible school children under 18 years of age) is not funded by the government. You or your medical insurance will need to pay for your dental and oral surgery costs. Dentists also operate an appointment system.
Going to the optometrist
If you need to get your eyes tested or a prescription for glasses or contact lenses, you will need to see an optometrist. Check the yellow pages for a list of optometrists in your area www.yellowpages.co.nz Eye testing can cost from NZ$40, glasses around NZ$300 and contact lenses from around NZ$150 for a six month prescription. You or your medical insurance will need to pay for your optometrist costs.
Going to hospital
Many of the hospitals, particularly larger ones, either have their own staff or a network of volunteers who will help with translation, hospital admission or any related needs. There will be charges for your care which your medical insurance should cover, unless it is the result of an accident, see below.
What happens if you suffer an injury or accident?
The Accident Compensation Corporation (ACC) provides 24-hour, personal injury or accident cover for New Zealanders, New Zealand residents who are temporarily overseas, and visitors to New Zealand, which means you get this cover while you are here. For more information, free phone 0800 101 996 or go to www.acc.govt.nz
ACC have access to a FREE telephone interpreting service called Language Line. It operates from Monday to Friday 10am - 6pm. When you contact ACC either in person or face to face, just ask for Language Line and your language (for example: Language Line, Mandarin). Language Line is available in 35 languages. For further details go to: www.languageline.govt.nz
Meningitis (Meningococcal disease)
Meningococcal disease can affect anyone, but babies, young children, teenagers and young adults are at greatest risk.
Meningococcal disease is a bacterial infection. It causes two very serious illnesses: septicaemia (blood poisoning) and meningitis (an infection of the brain membranes). There are different strains of the bacteria. The B strain is the most common in New Zealand. There is currently no vaccine against B strain.
Meningococcal bacteria are transmitted through the air via droplets of respiratory secretions and direct contact with persons infected with the disease. Oral contact with shared items such as cigarettes or drinking glasses or through intimate contact such as kissing could put a person at risk of acquiring the infection.
Meningococcal disease can look like a case of influenza in its early stages, but it quickly gets much worse. The symptoms may not all show up at once. Tell your doctor if you have any of the following signs and symptoms:
· Fever and headache
· Vomiting
· Sleepiness, confusion, delirium or unconsciousness
· A stiff neck and dislike of bright lights
· Joint pain and aching muscles
· A rash or spots (show your doctor)
Meningococcal disease can progress very quickly. Don't wait – take action. If someone in your household is sick with one or more of the symptoms identified above:
· Ring a doctor or medical centre right away – whether it is day or night
· Say what the symptoms are
· Insist on immediate action – don't be put off – a life may be at risk
· If a person has been cleared by a doctor, they should still be watched
· If they get worse go straight back to the doctor
· Don't leave them alone
Prompt treatment with antibiotics (usually by injection) may prevent death, or permanent disability such as damage to the brain or deafness.
Drugs
Illegal drugs include marijuana, 'magic mushrooms', LSD, ecstasy, methamphetamines, cocaine and heroin. Possession of any of these drugs is against the law and carries a penalty that may include prison.
Marijuana and magic mushrooms can be baked into chocolates, cookies or cakes. If you are offered these foods at a party, ask what's inside just in case. Ecstasy or 'e' comes as a capsule with brownish powder inside or as a pill, usually with a symbol like a heart or a happy face. You should refuse these drugs if they are offered to you. There are considerable risks in consuming them and they are illegal.
All drugs, while they may provide initial euphoric effects, can lead to impaired functioning that can interfere with the intellectual capacity to study, development of healthy relationships, and can lead to serious health consequences.
18+ Card (evidence of age)
The minimum legal drinking age in New Zealand is 18 years. If young people wish to purchase alcohol or get into licensed premises they need to provide photographic proof of age.
The acceptable forms of ID are a New Zealand or overseas passport, a photographic New Zealand driver licence or a HANZ 18+ card. If you haven't upgraded to a photo driver licence, it will be cheaper for you to upgrade early instead of getting an 18+ card now and the driver licence later.
You can get an application form for an 18+ card from http://www.alcohol.org.nz/host/public/drinking_age/idformindex.html or pick one up at a New Zealand Post Shop. The card will cost you NZ$20. You will need to fill out a statutory declaration and provide certain documents to prove you are over 18 years of age and that you are who you say you are (see the above website).
Alcohol and drug help lines
There are a number of places where you can go for help if you or someone you know needs help with alcohol or drugs. Contact your local Citizens Advice Bureau and they will refer you to a service that can assist you. You will find your local Citizens Advice Bureau in the phone book. Or call them on their free phone number 0800 367 222. Some Citizens Advice Bureaux have interpreters to help non-native English speakers.
