New Zealand is a well-developed country that operates under a well-formed and documented common-law democracy. We wish to give you some security guidance that will help ensure that your visit is a safe and secure one.
With a population of 1.4 million people, Auckland is New Zealand's biggest city. Auckland has many international visitors and is a multicultural city. English is the common language, but it is not uncommon to hear many different languages being spoken.
Venue location and security
The Forum will be held in the Sofitel Viaduct Harbour and the Viaduct Events Centre. Both are secure locations where your conference badge will be required for entry. The Forum venues are in a downtown area where there are many bars and restaurants alongside its central business district. Like many international cities, when the business district closes, office workers are replaced by people socialising. Alcohol is available at these venues and, as a result, later in the evening there is a greater chance of people heavily under the influence of alcohol on the streets. While the nightlife in Auckland is generally well-spirited, there is the potential for difficult situations.
Policing
The New Zealand Police Force is a professional national body that wears a blue uniform and is the primary law enforcement force. They are reliable and can be trusted to provide the required service. In New Zealand people have the right to peaceful protest, and if necessary any situation will be monitored and dealt with appropriately.
New Zealand has little problem with corruption and entities such as the police and other government bodies can be dealt with in a clear and transparent manner and nothing is expected in return.
Recommendations
- Maintain awareness of your surroundings, as you would normally do when travelling
- If you feel uncomfortable at any point, leave that environment
- Have the details of where you are staying and have a card from the hotel to show your transport if required
- If you are leaving a venue late, ask the reception to call you a licensed taxi to return to your accommodation. Wait until it arrives
- If someone asks you for money on the street, say no politely and keep on walking.
- If you are in a difficult situation, go into a shop or somewhere similar -- New Zealanders are known for helping people in trouble.
- Don't carry your passport unless you need to.
- Lock your valuables in the hotel room safe, or another hotel facility.
- If your delegation requires further security, or dedicated vehicles with security drivers, let us know and we can make an introduction to a specialist firm.
If you have any questions or concerns over security, please let your New Zealand Superannuation Fund liaison or any host official know, and you can speak with the security manager.