Sexual health

Relationships

You may find the general attitudes and approaches to relationships very different in New Zealand to those of your home country.

Among many New Zealanders, it is considered quite common and acceptable for New Zealand young people to have sexual relationships before they are married.

The experience of being in New Zealand, away from your family and friends, may bring an extra sense of independence but it may also mean that you become more reliant upon the support, friendship and comfort found in a relationship.

It is quite common for students to jump into serious relationships more quickly than they should.

Some international students have chosen to quit their studies and return home because of unplanned pregnancy. It would be sensible to contact the Family Planning Association (FPA) for advice on how to handle this situation before deciding to return home. (See below for contact information for the FPA.)

If you have any questions or concerns relating to relationships while you are in New Zealand, there are several services you can use, such as Lifeline. Phone them free on 0800 543 354 or go to the Lifeline website at www.lifeline.co.nz.

The counselling service at your educational provider is another service that can provide support. It may be that you will find it easier to speak with someone from a local community group that has an understanding of both your culture and tradition and of the New Zealand environment.

You should never feel pressured to get involved in a relationship or to do anything in a relationship that compromises you, your culture or your religion.

The main reason you are in New Zealand is to study and it is important to remember the goals you had before you left home and to try to avoid anything that may jeopardise them.

Gay, lesbian, bi-sexual and transgender support networks
New Zealand has gay, lesbian, bi-sexual and transgender support networks, events, news and services.

For more information, go to www.gaynz.com.

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Sexual health and safe sex

In New Zealand the age of sexual consent is 16, and it is illegal to have sexual relations with a person under this age even if he or she agrees.

If you choose to have a sexual relationship during your time in New Zealand, you need to protect yourself, both from unwanted pregnancy and sexually transmitted infections (STIs).

You can discuss any issues you have about sexual health and contraception with a doctor or nurse. Health professionals are there to help and provide advice, and will not judge you. Anything you discuss with them is completely confidential.

For information on STIs and contraception go to www.hubba.co.nz.

In New Zealand, individual privacy is treated very seriously and protected by law – the New Zealand Bill of Rights Act 1990 and The Privacy Act 1993.

For more information on your privacy rights in New Zealand go to the website of the Privacy Commissioner.

The Office of the Privacy Commissioner also investigates complaints about breaches of privacy, see www.privacy.org.nz.

Family Planning Association

The Family Planning Association (FPA) provides sexual and contraceptive information, clinical services and education.

If you make an appointment, you or your medical insurance must pay for your visit.
 
FPA clinics are listed in your local telephone book (the White Pages), go to www.whitepages.co.nz.

Or go to the FPA website at www.familyplanning.org.nz to locate the FPA clinic closest to you.

There is also a free information service available on 0800 372 5463. Some FPA clinics have interpreters available.

There are also free downloadable pamphets in Chinese at www.familyplanning.org.nz - Chinese resources.