Safety & help: emergencies, disasters, scams, free advice and voting

In New Zealand, call 111 if someone's life is in danger or a crime is happening now. When the call is answered, say if you need Police, Fire or Ambulance. For police matters that are not urgent, use 105. If you feel unwell and are not sure what to do, call Healthline. If you think someone has been poisoned, call the National Poisons Centre. Call 111 even if your English is not strong. Say the English name of your language to ask for language help.

You must enrol to vote if you are 18 or older, are a New Zealand citizen or a "resident for electoral purposes" (previously called "permanent resident"), and have lived in New Zealand for 1 year in a row at some time in your life. In the 2026 general election, election day is 7 November. Enrolment closes at midnight on 25 October. You cannot enrol at a voting place. Once you are enrolled, you can also vote in local elections.

Not sure who to ask about renting, work, shopping, family or immigration paperwork? Start with the Citizens Advice Bureau (CAB). It is free. If you need legal advice but cannot afford a lawyer, contact a free Community Law Centre. You can also apply to the Ministry of Justice for Legal Aid. Legal Aid is a loan, so you may have to pay it back. When you call a government agency, you can ask for a free interpreter.

New Zealand sits where the Pacific and Australian tectonic plates meet, so there are earthquakes every day. The official advice is to make a household emergency plan and keep enough supplies for at least 3 days. In an earthquake, stay where you are and Drop, Cover and Hold. If you are near the coast and an earthquake is long or strong, do not wait for a warning. Move to high ground or inland straight away (Long or Strong, Get Gone).

Scammers often pretend to be your bank, Inland Revenue (IRD), a government official, or a family member or friend. They may also use fake investments or online relationships to take your money. If you think you have been scammed, stop all contact, do not pay any more money, and contact your bank straight away. Then report the scam to the NCSC. If you lost money, report it to the Police: call 105 or report online.