Local Settlement Information

 This section covers: Local settlement information by topics

Living in NZ	Housing & Telephone,  Electricity & Gas	Finance & Tax
Education	Employment	English
Interpreting & Language Support	Driving & Transport	Health & Emergency

Living in the Waikato   

Hamilton and the Waikato Region

What does this area offer?

Hamilton or Kirikiriroa in Maori, is a fast growing-multi-cultural city on the Waikato River. There is a warm and welcoming spirit, rich history and many sites to discover. From shopping with fashion and designer shops, fine dining, outdoor cafes, nightlife, parks, gardens and a city full of cultural and social and sports activities you will find something to experience throughout the year. 

The Waikato region has much to offer from the coasts and beaches, cave adventures, bush walks, hot mineral pools, country towns, wineries, fishing, surfing to river walks and scenic forest reserves.

A place to live

What facilities, parks and amenities are available and where can I get more information about these?

You can check the site which introduces the activities and city highlights of the Hamilton city . The Hamilton map provides you relevant information indexed by location, key areas of interest, links to District maps and instructions to get there driving or walking.

You can also find out more about the Waikato district from the official site of the place or town you intend to settle. Alternatively, you can search on http://www.yellowpages.co.nz/ for ‘District Councils' in the Waikato area to contact them directly.

Living in my local area 

I would like to get involved in local life, what is on offer in my area?

There are many things to do in your area you can check the official site of Hamilton, Hamilton events and the web site of the town you are moving to.

You can also get involved in one of the many local clubs, check the index on the Hamilton City website home page or find out more from your local Citizens Advice Bureau http://www.cab.org.nz/.

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Things to consider when looking for a place to live

What do I need to know about finding a place to live?

Most newcomers decide to rent a place when they arrive. This gives them time to decide where they want to live. There are many types of housing available in the Hamilton and Waikato area. You should also think of about the school you want your children to attend because schools have home zones (see section ‘Find a school').

Properties for rent are usually advertised in newspapers, especially on Wednesdays and Saturdays. Look in the classified advertisements section of the Waikato Times under ‘Houses to Let' and ‘Accommodation Vacant'. You can also contact a real estate agent to look at their list of houses for rent. You may be asked for references and/ or credit history.

To find properties, you can go to agencies listed in the Yellow Pages or the Real Estate Institute of New Zealand.

Tenancy Agreement

This is a written, legal contract between you and the landlord, and the law says you must have one. You may have to pay RENT IN ADVANCE (usually 2 weeks rent) and a BOND. The bond is to be held by Tenancy Services.

If you have any questions about what you have to do or what the landlord has to do when renting, contact:
• Tenancy Services Ph: 0800 836 262 for free advice and information

You can buy a house only if you can pay the price of the property or arrange a long-term loan or mortgage from a lender, such as a finance house or a bank. The finance house or bank will look at your income, what you own, your debt, and your credit rating. Most banks will ask you to pay a deposit of 10 percent of the cost of the house before allowing you to have a mortgage.

You can buy a property privately or through an agent by making an offer or by negotiation.

Consult a lawyer prior to signing a purchase agreement since this becomes a binding legal document, unless variations of conditions have been agreed to and signed by both parties.

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How can I get connected to these services?

Telephone

There are three main telephone companies in New Zealand: Telecom, TelstraClear and Vodaphone. If there is no telephone installed in your house or flat, you will have to buy the equipment. Most living accommodations have a telephone connection and you are free to select the service provider which can be found in the telephone book. The White Pages and the Yellow Pages of the phone book are updated annually - the book is delivered FREE to every home and business.

Electricity Services

You can choose which supplier you want from the following companies that service the Waikato Region. You can arrange this before you move to the new house. Some may check your credit rating or ask for a bond.

The Consumers’ Institute runs an online cost comparison calculator so you can determine the best-priced electricity supplier for your needs in your area, you can find this at http://www.consumer.org.nz/ .

Gas Suppliers

The electricity companies Genesis, Mercury and others listed in the Yellow Pages http://www.yellowpages.co.nz/ supply natural gas in the Waikato area.

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Finance:Open a Bank Account/Insurance

Opening a Bank Account

How and where I can open a bank account?

It is a good idea to open a bank account as soon as possible. Banks usually ask for three forms of identification, one of which should have a photo on it, for example, passport, or overseas driver’s licence. You will also be asked for your IRD number, as part of the process.

PIN (Personal Identification Number)

Ask your bank to give you a PIN number that you will need for electronic banking. Do not disclose your PIN to anyone, including the bank. If you lose your bankcard or think someone else has your PIN, contact your bank immediately on their 0800 number, which you can get from the telephone book.

Common Banks in New Zealand

Banks in your area are listed in the yellow pages of the local phone book.

Complaints

All banks by law must have a process that allows customers to make complaints. If you have problem ask for the complaints officer. If you are not happy with the way your complaint has been handled, you can ask the Banking Ombudsman for help. This service is free.

Free phone: 0800 805 E-mail: help@ombudsman.org.nz

Insurance

What do I need to know about insurance?

There are many companies that can provide insurance. Insurance protects people and things that you value in case of accidents or emergencies.

It is important to research the insurance you need for your car, home, personal items, household contents, medical purposes for you and your family. You may like to bring proof your claims record from your country.

You can find out more from the Consumers’ Institute of New Zealand at: http://www.consumer.org.nz/ .

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What is my legal obligation when working or residing in New Zealand?

If you work or are in Business, you must pay tax. To do this you need an IRD (Inland Revenue Department) number. If you are going to ask for Family assistance, your children will also need to have IRD numbers. If you are opening a bank account you will also be asked for your IRD number.

With you IRD number application you will need to attach one of the following forms of identification:

Birth certificate, Passport (must show page with passport number and personal details) , 18+ card issued by the Hospitality Association, Certificate of New Zealand Citizenship, NZ Photo identification such as a driver’s licence, certificate of identity.

Submitting the completed application form (IR595)

Once you have completed the IR595 and collated the required supporting documents, follow the instructions on this page

PAYE:Pay as you earn

This is the basic deduction (tax for salary/wage earners) that employers must make from their employee’s wages. PAYE deductions include ACC (Accident Compensation Corporation) earner premium levies.

For further information call the Inland Revenue Department 0800 227774 or visit the website: http://www.ird.govt.nz/.

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Education:Finding a school
 

What do I need to know about getting my children into a school?

All children in New Zealand must attend school from the age 6 to 16. Compulsory education is a divided into primary, intermediate and secondary schooling. Adult students returning to school enter the year appropriate to the subject they are studying. You can find a list of schools on the Ministry of Education website or in the yellow pages.

Decile Rating

A school’s decile indicates the extent it draws its students from low socio-economic communities. Decile 1 schools are the 10% of schools with the highest proportion of students form low socio-economic communities. Decile 10 schools are the 10% of schools with the lowest proportion of these students. The lower the school’s decile, the more funding they receive.

Home Zones

Check the school zones http://www.schoolzones.co.nz/ before enrolling your child in a school. If you live out-of-zones you should find out if the school has any enrolment schemes.

If you want your child to go to a school outside your zone you will need to apply to that school. If you have a choice of schools, you may want to check on a school’s ranking. These are listed in Education Review Office reports, see http://www.ero.govt.nz/. Also check the Frequently Asked Questions’ (FAQs) on the website of the Ministry of Education website, http://www.minedu.govt.nz/ .

Tertiary Institutes

There are a number of tertiary providers and a University in the Hamilton area. They provide training, trades education and full degree courses. For a range of providers, see the yellow pages under Universities, Colleges and Polytechnics.

Tertiary studies are also available by correspondence or on-line through Open Polytechnic and Massey University. Refer to their web sites for further information; http://www.openpolytechnic.ac.nz/ or http://www.massey.ac.nz/

Community Education

Community Education offers a range of short course on a variety of subjects. For further information contact your local school or check your local community newspaper.

Early Childhood

New Zealand has many types of early childhood services to choose from. Each type has its own way of working with children and their parents. The options include:

Kindergarten

Children are supervised by a qualified teacher. Kindergartens run half-day sessions for different age groups, starting from age 2 and going to 5 years old. Some Kindergartens offer all-day sessions for older age groups. There is a small charge to attend and children must be enrolled.

For more information contact the Waikato Kindergarten Association: Ph: 07 856 4649 or e-mail: wka   "at" kindergarten.org.nz or visit: http://www.kindergarten.org.nz/ .

Day Care Centres

Most areas offer privately owned Day Care facilities for your child, many of which have a waiting list. There are charges for Day care, but tax rebate may be available if you earn an income and pay for child day care. Contact the IRD http://www.ird.govt.nz/ for further information on tax rebates.

For childcare listings see the section Child Care & Education in the yellow pages.   

Playcentre

Playcentres are run by parents. Some offer separate sessions for children aged 4 years. A playcentre is for children 5-years of age and under; is run by parents; provides early childhood education; provides modules on all aspects of children’s learning; is based on the importance of parents as educators of their own children.

For more information: Waikato Playcentre Association
                                Ph: 847 1789, 87 A Norton Rd, Hamilton
                               http://www.playcentre.org.nz/

Home-based child care services

These are available in most areas, and the service is based in the care-giver’s home, with a maximum of 4 children per home. Some care-givers are qualified teachers.

Barnados also offer a home-based child care service in the area.
For more information on Barnados, ph: 07 847 1088 or 0800 KIDSTART- 0800 543 782 or at http://www.barnados.org.nz/ .

After School Care and Holiday Programmes

Some schools offer after school care, please contact the school you are enrolling your child.  The Hamilton City council publishes an annual index of Holiday programmes on their web site. Alternatively, you can contact the local Citizens’ Advice Bureau at 0800 367 222.

Baby-sitters

Baby-sitters must be 14-years of age or older to have legal charge of your children. Local supermarket notice boards will often advertise baby-sitters. It is recommended to ask potential baby-sitters for a reference. 

School Terms

Term 1: End of January until mid April

Term 2: Late April until beginning of July

Term 3: Mid July until late September

Term 4: Mid October until mid December

Types of schools

State schools: Funded through taxation

Special schools: State schools that provide education for students with special physical, sensory, emotional or intellectual needs.

Boarding schools: Students usually live at the school all week and may come home at weekends.

Correspondence schools: They provide distance learning facilities to students who may live a long way form their nearest school.

Home schooling: Available for parents and caregivers who want to educate their children at home.

Team Up- 'its a fantastic new resource to help migrant parents team up with their kids'

'Team Up' is a Ministry of Education programme set up in 2004 with the primary aim of providing information, ideas and materials to help parents support their children and get more involved in their education.

The programme has provided a 48 page booklet featuring early childhood, primary and secondary school topics; available in 6 different languages other than English - Chinese/ Korean/ Arabic/ Hindi/ Somali and Dari. (The booklet is now available in 7 new languages – Cook Island Māori, French, Niuean, Samoan, Tagalog, Thai and Tongan)

The booklet provides a 'great resource for parent teacher evenings with parents who are migrants'. The booklet is availiable in limited numbers but is also in electronic form on the 'Team Up' website .

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How can I find a job in New Zealand?

It is important to have your educational qualifications approved by the New Zealand Qualifications Authority (NZQA) http://www.nzqa.co.nz/ . If you want to practice a profession in New Zealand you need to apply for professional registration or membership of a professional body.

Work and Income New Zealand

A range of jobs are available for those who have either permanent residence or a valid work permit. For more information visit the local Work and Income office or http://www.workandincome.govt.nz/. If you are a refugee you may qualify for benefit assistance while you look for work. A case manager will give you free advice and information about job opportunities. For all general enquiries from Work and Income contact free phone: 0800 559 009.

Find jobs in Newspapers

Hamilton and Waikato Area: Waikato Times (Daily paper)

Career Services

You can get help with your Curriculum Vitae; preparing for job interviews; ways to approach workplaces, regional work trends; and deciding about other sorts of work or training that is right for you. Career Services helps people of all ages and at all stages of life and is free for persons with NZ permanent residence status. You can phone directly on 0800 222 733 or 07 839 4181 or contact them online at http://www.careers.govt.nz/.

Self Employment

If you are planning to start your own business, the Business Development centre http://www.businessdevelopmentcentre.co.nz/ and the Economic development Unit of the Hamilton City council, as well as council offices can assist you. A number of places in the Waikato have a local Business or Enterprise Development agency.

USEFUL WEBSITES

NZ Workplace Info	Job sites
http://www.acc.co.nz/	http://www.jobs.govt.nz/
http://www.bizinfo.co.nz/	http://www.jobcafe.co.nz/
http://www.ers.dol.govt.nz/	http://www.careers.govt.nz
http://www.hrc.co.nz/	http://www.seek.co.nz/
	http://www.newkiwis.co.nz/

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English: Learning English

ESOL (English for Speakers of Other Languages)

Where can I learn English?

Ability of English is crucial in New Zealand. If you feel that you need help with your English communication skills, you can enrol for English classes.

The ESOL Assessment & Access service is free for all to everyone and offers advice on courses available. In the Hamilton area the service is available at the Waikato Migrant Resource Centre you can call Jo de Lisle on: 07 853 2196 or e-mail esol.advisor   "at" xtra.co.nz .

Some education providers have childcare available for learners. Talk to the ESOL advisor about your needs. The classes may be full-times, part-time, for a semester or a few weeks during the day or in the evening.

The Advisor from the English Link can help you decide which course is best for you for academic studies, everyday English and the work place. The ESOL advisor can assess your level of listening, speaking, reading and writing in English.

The advisor will also inform you of options for your pre-purchased English language tuition through Immigration New Zealand. Pre-paid ESOL fees need to be used within five years of payment of the English tuition fee. (The expiry is not related to your arrival date in New Zealand).

Further contacts: Tertiary Education Commission (TEC): http://www.tec.govt.nz/

If you have pre-paid language tuition you can also call Free Phone 0800 375 569 or e-mail efm   "at" tec.govt.nz .

The TEC also has Cantonese and Mandarin speakers available to help.

ESOL Home Tutors (Waikato) : http://www.esolht.org.nz/

They offer one to one tuition, literacy classes, Social English groups, English in the workplace and job mentoring for migrants. Eligibility criteria may apply.

Phone: 07 853 2188 or e-mail: whts   "at" xtra.co.nz

ESOL Home Tutors (Waikato) can support you by providing a trained volunteer to visit you for one hour each week. You can set your English language learning goals with your tutor. The service is free. Phone Jenny.

Social English Groups

There are weekly conversation classes in Hamilton, Te Awamutu and Cambridge. You can meet, chat and make new friends. Phone Elaine.

ESOL Literacy Classes

Classes are held 3 times each week for students who want to improve their literacy. There is a bilingual tutor in each class. Phone Dianne.

Job Mentoring Programme

If you are actively job seeking and would like help with the process you may benefit from having a Job Mentor to make suggestions. Phone Susan.

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Interpreting & Language Assistance

How can I get help with interpreting or translations?

The Hamilton Interpreting service can be accessed by phoning 07 853 2184 or e-mail hmstis   "at" xtra.co.nz. Call the number to arrange for a trained and confidential interpreter in the language you require. They offer a 24 hour, 7 days professional face to face and telephone interpreting service.

This is a user-pays system and any person, agency or business can access the service for an hourly fee. In some cases the agency and service you are using will pay for an interpreter, please request and/or pre-arrange an interpreter to be present.

Translations are also available and can be arranged by the Hamilton Interpreting Service.

Language Assistance

How can I get language assistance to contact a government agency?

A government service, Language Line, can help people who speak little or no English to access services. You can contact some Government agencies through Language Line. The service, established by the Office of Ethnic Affairs, is available in over 36 languages and is FREE to users.

Language Line operates between 10.00am and 6.00pm, Monday to Friday.

To connect with Language Line by phone, contact the Government Department you want to speak to, ask for Language Line, tell them the language you speak and they will contact an interpreter for you.

Visit: http://www.ethnicaffairs.govt.nz/ or telephone (04) 4940586.

How can I get information in another language?

The Citizens Advice Bureaux offer a multi lingual service. Bureau workers can simply dial up the assistance one of the staff at the National Multilingual Call Centre, at no cost to the client.

If you are phoning, you can use either your local bureau number or free phone 0800 367 222 (0800 FOR CAB).

You can also access this service at the Waikato Migrant Resource Centre.

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How can I drive legally in New Zealand?

You can drive using current overseas licence or an international driving permit for a maximum one year after you arrive. You must then convert your overseas licence to a New Zealand driver’s licence.

You will have to pass a theory test and, depending on the country you have come from, pass a practical driving test as well.

The Land transport New Zealand and its driver licensing agents can supply you with an application form for an overseas licence conversion.

In New Zealand you must carry your driver’s licence or permit at all times when you are driving.

Drivers who are new to this country, people learning to drive and people wanting to gain a new licence need to refer to the ROAD CODE. You can buy a copy at book stores or read one at your public library.

For more information visit: http://www.ltsa.govt.nz/ or phone 0800 822 422.

Automobile Association (AA)

The AA can assist with any questions regarding automobiles, licences, maps and travel information.

Infringement Ticket

If you have been issued with an infringement ticket for any offence, such as illegal parking, speeding, or not having a current warrant of fitness or registration for the car you need to make the payment or resolve the matter before the due date. If you do not take action before the due date, your fine may be passed on to the court for collection and further costs.

Child Safety and Cars

Front and Back seatbelts are compulsory for ALL AGES. You can buy approved child seats or hire them. The law says: Birth to 5 years- all children must be in approved child restraints. Five to seven year olds must be in child restraints, or, if none available, they must wear seat belts. Eight to 14 year old children must wear standard safety belts. Ask for information on the restraint that is right for your child. For services in your area see Plunket Society in the Yellow pages of the phone book, or visit http://www.plunket.org.nz/

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Transport: Getting Around

What are my options for transport and travel?

Taxi Services

There are a range of providers, you can find their contact details in the Yellowpages of the phone book for your area or on the website: http://www.yellowpages.co.nz/

Hamilton Bus Services

For information on bus services for the Hamilton City and regional towns you can phone 0800 4 Busline (0800 4 2875463) or visit: http://www.busit.co.nz/

There is also a FREE central city shuttle (CBD Shuttle) every Monday to Friday 7am-6pm, Saturday 9am-1pm, every 10 minutes (Times may vary).

General bus services are available every day of the year.

Inter-City Travel

Intercity Coachlines 09 623 1503 (National Reservation) or at http://www.intercitycoach.co.nz/

Newmans Coach Lines: http://www.newmanscoach.co.nz/

To make bookings or find our more information for any of these services contact the Hamilton Transport Centre at: Corner Bryce and Anglesea Streets, Hamilton Ph: 07 839 3580 or 07 3457, e-mail: info   "at" visithamilton.co.nz, or http://www.visithamilton.co.nz/

Open daily. This is the one-stop-shop for bookings and information what to see and do around Hamilton and throughout New Zealand (Accommodation/Coach/Ferry/Rental cars/ Attractions/Activities/What’s On)

Train Service

Tranz Scenic offer national services by train, bookings are highly recommended. If you have luggage you are expected to go through a check-in process at the train station. Please arrive early to arrange this.

You can arrange reservations by phone 0800 TRAINS (0800 872 467) or at the Hamilton Transport centre.

Air Travel

The Hamilton Airport has international flights to Australia and some Pacific Islands. Most international flights arrive in Auckland. Air Services available in Hamilton vary by season. You can access airport shuttles to get you to and from the airport to your door, this service is provided by arrangement. Companies available for your area can be found at http://www.yellowpages.co.nz/.

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Medical: Getting Medical Care

Emergency Health Care

Dial 111 in an emergency. (Refer to Emergency Information for full health care emergencies).

How can I find a doctor ?

To find a doctor in your local area refer to the White pages of the phone book under the section for Medical Practitioners and Medical Centres. You are free to register with the doctor of your choice, a consultation fee will apply. If you decide to change your doctor, it is important to tell your new doctor about previous registration, so your medical files can be transferred to your new doctor.

There may be a doctor who speaks your language, please check the Directory for New Settlers on the Waikato Migrant Resource Centre web site: http://www.wmrc.org.nz/ in the resources section.

When and how to enrol

You need not wait until you are sick or require treatment. Every Three years your doctor or practice group will ask you to confirm that you still want them to be your doctor or primary health provider. To enrol you need to go into a GP/family doctor practice or primary health provider clinic and fill an enrolment form.

For regular health and medical care it is advisable to find a GP (General Practitioner or doctor) after your arrival.

FREE Health Advice

Free health advice for everyone, from newborn to elderly is available at

0800 6111 116 - FREE 24 Hour Health Advice.

Sometimes you, or a family member, may be feeling unwell but you’re not sure what to do. Maybe you just moved house and want to know where the local GP is, or you are experiencing symptoms, need general health advice. Your child may have issues with feeding, sleeping and offer support to parents. A registered nurse can advise what to do, however they will not diagnose or treat the problems.

For health -, dental services and subsidies: www.moh.govt.nz/eligibility

Please ask us for more details.

Having a Baby

For information on free maternity care, discuss it with your GP or your midwife. Plunket is a national society providing services for children less than 5 years. Plunket has information for new parents on parent centres. For help and support: http://www.plunket.org.nz/ or free phone: 0800 933 922.

Dentists

The professional Dentists Association governs dentists in NZ. Dental visits are not usually subsidised. Dental care is available for school-age children through the School Dental Service. Ask your local school for information when they are enrolled. Adolescents from school year 9, until their 18th Birthday can receive free dental care from dentists who participate in the Adolescent Dental Scheme. Families will need to themselves choose and contact a dentist who provides free dental service for adolescents. Visit: http://www.nzda.org.nz/ for information on dental services or find a list of local dentists in the yellow pages under ‘Dentists’. Other Health Related Services

Mental Health & Counselling Services

There is a range of mental health and counselling services available in the District. There are also a number of free phones based counselling services available. Talk to your GP or contact webhealth to get linked to a service you need.
Webhealth Linkage can be contacted at: 0800 webhealth or 0800 932 432 or visit at http://www.webhealth.co.nz/ .

Natural Therapies & Alternative Health Care

There is a range of providers in the District. See the section on Natural Therapy at http://www.yellow.co.nz/.

Age Concern

Information about issues and services for the older person can be found at Age Concern, ph: 07 838 2266 or http://www.ageconcern.co.nz/ . You can also visit the Celebrating Age Centre in Hamilton to find out more about services for the older person in the area. You can contact the Celebrating Age Centre at Ph: 07 838 67 33 or visit them at 30 Victoria St, Hamilton. Alternatively, relevant information can also be found on the official website of the Hamilton City Council.

Disability Services

The Disability Resource Centre provides a range of services and resources. For more information, ph: 07 839 5506 or visit them at 20 Palmerston St, Hamilton. Alternatively, you may like to contact Disability Support Link to find out more about how to access a service, ph:   0800 553 399.

ACC – Accident Compensation

The Accident Compensation Corporation (ACC) administers New Zealand’s accident compensation scheme, which provides personal injury cover for all New Zealand citizens, residents and temporary visitors, If you have an accident, the cost of your health care and rehabilitation is covered by ACC. For more information see http://www.acc.co.nz/ or talk to your doctor.

Health Insurance

Private health insurance is available. See the Yellow Pages under Health Insurance, or ask your GP or the Settlement Support Coordinator.

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Medical: Emergency & Safety

Accident and Sudden Sickness

If you can still drive safely in the event of sudden sickness or serious accident, if you can drive, visit an Accident and Medical Centre.

For non–urgent medical care for your area check the White pages at the front of the phone book.

In the case of sudden sickness or serious accident, you can visit:

Please check if you are eligible for free or subsidized health care: www.moh.govt.nz/eligibility.

Anglesea Accident and Urgent Medical Clinic

Victoria Central Accident and Medical Centre

Waikato Hospital – 24 Hours Emergency and Accident and Medical Services

- The hospital is located on Pembroke Street, Hamilton
- Emergency department services are free of charge
- There is often a long wait, see your own GP first, unless it is an emergency 

For Outer areas

please check the initial section of the White Pages in your phone book for your nearest hospital – In an EMERGENCY CALL 111

Telephone emergency services

In an emergency dial 111 (Including Mobile Phones). You will be asked for the service that you need: POLICE, FIRE, or AMBULANCE. Tell the operator the service you require (for example; Fire) and stay on the telephone. You need to be able to tell the operator:
-          Address or name of the place from which you are calling
-          Phone number from which you are calling
-          What has happened
 

Ambulance Services – St John

In an emergency dial 111 and ask for ‘Ambulance’. A fee will apply.

Non urgent ambulance service phone 0800 426 285

You can call the Ambulance Service by ringing 111

Police

There are a number of Police stations throughout the District. For all emergency calls dial 111 and ask for Police.

For other non-emergency calls phone the nearest station. These are listed under Police in the Blue Pages of your telephone book.

Hamilton Central Police Station, Bridge St, Hamilton: 07 858 6200


Womens Refuge

Women’s Refuge (Hamilton) offers a 24 hours crisis line, provide support to women and children and a safe place. They can also answer questions about obtaining Protection Orders and what to do if the orders are broken.

To contact the 24-hour crisis line ph: 07 855 1569.


Civil defence Emergencies

A Civil Defence Emergency can be caused by a natural hazard like:
-          Volcanic eruptions
-          Earthquakes
-          Storms
-          Tsunami


Or it can be man-made hazard like: Chemical spills or Terrorism

There have been few civil emergencies in the Waikato District. The most likely causes could be:
-          Flooding
-          Chemical Spills
-          Storms

The Hamilton City Council is responsible for Civil Defence Emergency planning. Council works with other agencies like the Fire Service, Police and hospitals. If a large number of people are in danger and the emergency services (Fire, Police, Ambulance) cannot effectively deal with the situation, they contact Civil Defence.

If you see an emergency situation, call 111 and tell the operator, who will put you through to the correct emergency service.

To plan for an emergency, make up an emergency kit. Keep the kit up to date and store it in your home in a place known to every person in the home.

For more information about being prepared, see http://www.civildefence.govt.nz/ and follow the ‘Being Prepared’ links. (Check also the front cover of your local telephone book.)

Alternatively, you can go to http://www.getthrough.co.nz/ ,which includes also information in other languages, to find out what you can do to ensure your safety.

Safety in the NZ Home

It is important to understand local rules regarding lighting fires. Please check with your local council, if a fire ban exists, a fire permit may also be needed.

For information on keeping safe with fire visit the NZ Fire Service. Please keep safe while in or near water, tips can found on the Water safety site. Protect yourself from the NZ sun and find out more on sunsmart.

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