New Zealand Country Report
New Zealand has enjoyed political stability since its independence from Britain. The country’s security risk environment is relatively benign, with no credible threat of conflict and a relatively low threat of terrorism. However, criminal activity, mainly opportunistic theft, occurs and foreign tourists are sometimes targeted in major urban centers.
New Zealand is vulnerable to numerous natural disasters, including earthquakes, tsunamis, volcanic activity, and tropical cyclones, which can make disaster preparedness and recovery difficult. The country is also highly susceptible to climate change, which poses significant long-term threats to sectors such as agriculture.
Last updated: April 11, 2022
Security
Although levels remain low, criminal activity, particularly petty and opportunistic theft, occurs and foreign tourists are sometimes targeted, particularly in major tourist destinations and urban centers. In recent years, there has been concern about the increase in theft from vehicles, and in some areas, there have been reports of theft from hotel rooms. Violent crime is very low and foreign tourists are rarely affected.
Political demonstrations and marches are held in large numbers in New Zealand’s urban centers on various local, national, and international political and socio-economic issues. However, these events are generally small compared to those held in many countries and usually remain peaceful. Large-scale industrial action is also rare and can cause local disruption to travel and some services.
The threat of terrorism in New Zealand is historically low, with little evidence of extremist networks operating within the country, and the largest terrorist attack since several small, isolated, unrelated bombings in the 1980s. However, the most devastating attack in the country’s history, when two mosques in Christchurch were shot up by far-right extremists on March 15, 2019, killing 50 people, has renewed the threat of terrorism and the growing national threat. The assessment was mandatory. the level.
New Zealand has strong and friendly relations with its neighbors and does not face a serious threat of conflict.
Last updated: May 9, 2022
Infrastructure
There are no major regulatory regulatory concerns for the New Zealand aviation industry and domestic air travel is safe. However, bad weather can seriously affect flights. Land travel can also be affected by inclement weather and some mountain roads may be closed due to snow in the winter months. Roads in New Zealand are generally well maintained, but byways are usually narrow and roads in mountainous areas can be steep and winding.
The country also has a high level of energy security, extensive mobile network coverage and fast and reliable internet connection. However, cybercrime is a growing concern due to the increase in incidents and the overall impact on the national economy.
Last updated: May 9, 2022
Environment
New Zealand is vulnerable to numerous natural disasters, including earthquakes, tsunamis, volcanic activity, and tropical cyclones, which can make disaster preparedness and recovery difficult. Strong storm systems can cause significant infrastructure damage and disruption, particularly in areas along or near the North Coast, during the November to April hurricane season. Severe weather can pose a high risk in remote mountainous areas where flooding often occurs after heavy rains. Weather conditions can change quickly and roads may close quickly in some areas.
New Zealand experiences thousands of earthquakes each year, but only a small percentage are strong enough to be felt, and the majority do not cause significant damage or casualties. However, the country has experienced several severe earthquakes in recent years that have caused extensive damage, the most notable being the 2011 Christchurch earthquake. Large offshore earthquakes can create a tsunami hazard, and warning systems are in place in coastal areas of the country.
Last updated: March 15, 2022
Health and Medical
New Zealand has no significant health impacts, but mosquito-borne diseases such as dengue, chikungunya, and Zika are present in the Cook Islands, Niue, and Tokelau. Health facilities in this country are of a high standard, but health centers in the Cook Islands, Niue, and Tokelau offer limited services. Many countries, including the UK and Australia, have reciprocal health agreements with New Zealand that cover short-term medical emergencies.
Last updated: September 7, 2023
Political
New Zealand has a stable political system and there are few significant challenges to the current government. Corruption is generally low in the country, but a number of recent scandals involving access to information and corrupt practices by politicians have eroded trust. The rule of law is well respected and the judiciary is independent.
Last updated: March 28, 2022
