NZ Laws & Safety

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Alcohol, Drugs and Gambling

Alcohol
The legal age for drinking alcohol in NZ is 18 years. If you are under 18 you are not  allowed to buy alcohol or enter a bar or a nightclub. If you are 18 or over you may be asked to show identification before entering these places. It is also illegal to drink alcohol in public places, e.g. in a partk, city streets or the beach.

It is illegal to drive a motor vehicle while under the influence of alcohol. The police monitors roads for drink drivers. Offenders face heavy penalties including instant fines, vehicle confiscation and jail.

Drugs and tobacco
In NZ it is illegal to import and/or sell drugs. It is also illegal to have or consume drugs such as cannabis, heroin, LSD and speed. You will be deported if you are an international student breaching these laws.

Smoking cigarettes and tobacco is legal, if you are over 18  years of age. You cannot smoke in areas with ‘no smoking’ signs and places like shops, restaurants and movie theatres.

Bay of Plenty Polytechnic is a strictly no smoking campus.

Gambling
There are 4 types of gambling that are legal in NZ:

• Lotteries: Lotto, Daily Keno – no age limit
• Instant Kiwi: Scratch card – must be aged 16 or over to purchase card
• TAB: Gambling on horse racing and other sports. You must be 18 or over
• Casinos: Legal age to enter any casino is 20 years.

Driving in New Zealand

You should understand the New Zealand Road Code, which details all the driving rules and laws. You can buy a copy from most bookstores or view it on the NZ Transport Agency Road Code website.

Licences
To drive in New Zealand you must:

• Hold a New Zealand Driver’s Licence
  OR
• Hold an International Driver’s Licence (only valid for your first year in New Zealand)
  OR
• Hold a full driver’s licence from your own country (only valid for your first year in New Zealand)
  AND
• You must carry that licence or permit (and a certified translation, if it is not in English) with you whenever you are driving.

IF YOU DO NOT HAVE A LEGAL DRIVERS LICENCE YOU ARE NOT PERMITTED TO DRIVE IN NEW ZEALAND

International Driver’s Licence/Full licence from your home country
This is valid for one year in New Zealand. Before your International Driver’s Licence expires you should apply for a New Zealand Driver’s Licence. If you do not apply for one and your International Driver’s Licence expires, or you have been in New Zealand for one year or more using your home country’s licence, you are driving ILLEGALLY.

To obtain your New Zealand licence, you will have to pass a theory test and, depending on  the country you have come from, a practical test as well. If you don’t have an overseas driver’s licence or an international driving permit, you will need to apply for a learner licence before you can begin to drive any vehicle in New Zealand.

For more information regarding licensing, visit the NZ Transport Agency website.

Driving on the Left Hand Side of the road
New Zealanders drive on the left hand side of the road. Please ensure you are familiar with this before you start driving.

Seatbelts
You must wear your seatbelt at all times while driving, or you will be fined. The driver is responsible for ensuring all passengers are wearing one as well.

Speed Limits
The New Zealand speed limit is 100 kilometres per hour (kph) on the open road, and 50 kph in cities/towns and built up areas.

PLEASE KEEP TO THE SPEED LIMIT AND DRIVE ACCORDING TO THE CONDITIONS.
SPEED AND ALCOHOL ARE THE BIGGEST KILLERS ON NEW ZEALAND ROADS

Visit the NZ Transport Agency website for more information on licences and road rules (you can view the complete NZ Road Code on the NZ Transport Agency website).

Safety Tips

Safety tips for cyclists
Helmets are compulsory for cyclists in New Zealand. Cycles must be ridden on the road unless there’s an adequate cycle lane; follow the road rules, keep left and indicate clearly when turning, pulling out or passing. If you ride during the hours of darkness you must have cycle lights on.

Safety tips for pedestrians
Footpaths provide a safe place for pedestrians. Where there is no footpath, walk on the side of the road facing oncoming traffic, except on curves, where it is best to walk on the outside edge of the curve. Cross the road only when it is safe to do so, using pedestrian crossing where available. When crossing the road at night, cross near a street light if you can.

General Safety Reminders

• Do not walk alone at night, especially in dark places or parks.
• Let someone know where you are going and when you will return.
• Only carry small amounts of cash.
• Carry a phone card with you in case of problems.
• Carry a phone number for a taxi company in case you need transport home.
• Never leave your bag or wallet alone. Carry them with you at all times, or in your car.
• Make sure you keep your passport and any other important documents in a safe place, preferably a locked drawer or cupboard.
• If you are in a bar or night club do not leave your drink unattended. People have been known to put drugs in them. It is a good idea to buy your own drinks.
• If you have a cell phone let your home stay family/friends know the number. Carry it with you at all times.
• Make sure to lock up your house/room if you are at home alone at night, or going out.