Safety in public places

How safe is New Zealand?

New Zealand has an international reputation as a safe and friendly country but you should still take all the security precautions you would take in your own country or anywhere else in the world.

For example, look after your belongings and do not leave them unattended. Do not carry large amounts of cash. Avoid doing things you know to be against the law. If you need advice about things related to the law, for example, personal security or legal welfare issues, ask the student welfare officer at your education provider.

There can be times, locations or circumstances when there are safety concerns in public places. Being aware of these, avoiding potentially problematic situations and behaving sensibly will reduce risks to your safety.

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Street safety

Be aware and take notice of what’s around you. Check street signs so you know where you are and if you need to call the Police you can be easily located. Keep to areas where other people are around, and that are well lit at night. Avoid vacant blocks, parks or shortcuts through alleys or waste ground, and do not walk close to areas where a person might be hiding.

Body language is important. When walking alone, walk upright and briskly to convey confidence. If possible it’s best not to walk through a group of drunken or disorderly people.

Let someone you trust (someone you live with or a friend) know where you are going. Plan for a friend to pick you up or take a taxi rather than walk alone at night.

If you feel uncomfortable in a situation, take steps to keep yourself safe. Consider:

• covering up expensive jewellery when walking
• keeping your house and car keys separate in case your handbag or bag is snatched
• carrying a personal alarm or mobile phone.

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Being followed

If you think someone is following you, cross the street, more than once if necessary. Vary your pace and change direction to confirm your suspicions.

If someone is following you, go as quickly as possible to the nearest place where there will be other people, such as a service station, a fast-food outlet, or a house with lights on.

Call the Police immediately.

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Pubs, clubs and parties

If you use illegal drugs or drink more than a moderate amount of alcohol, it will lower your awareness and increase the risk to your safety. Drugs (which are illegal) and alcohol can affect your ability to be in control and to react to a situation appropriately.

Potentially unsafe situations are:

• leaving a party or a pub with a person you have just met
• accepting drinks directly from a stranger (rather than served by bar staff)
• accepting a car ride from a stranger or someone you have just met
• walking home alone
• driving, after taking drugs or alcohol (this is illegal).

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Dealing with drunk people

People who have taken drugs or alcohol can threaten your safety. Many students who come to New Zealand are not used to dealing with drunk people. In New Zealand, if you go into town at night you are likely to come across people who have been drinking. Drinking alcohol affects people differently. Not all people who drink will be noticeably different in appearance. When a person is drunk, the warning signs include slurred speech, being pushy, loud or rude, or staggering when walking.

The best way to deal with drunk people is to avoid them. Do not provoke them as they can react aggressively.

Don't rely solely on what other international students tell you, because they may not always fully understand the situation and may give you incorrect advice.

If you want more advice on keeping yourself safe; contact the Community Law Centre, talk to the Police or contact your local Citizens Advice Bureau www.cab.org.nz.

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Spiking

In New Zealand there have been a few cases of “drinks spiking”, where someone adds a tasteless, odourless and colourless drug to your drink without you knowing.

This can happen in bars, clubs, pubs or parties.

These drugs are extremely dangerous and leave people vulnerable, with little or no memory of what has happened to them.

The New Zealand Police website provides advice regarding drinks spiking at their website www.police.govt.nz.

If you feel dizzy or uncomfortable after you have had a drink, ask someone you know and trust to keep an eye on you and to escort you home. If you think your drink may have been spiked, seek medical attention immediately.

Where to get help:

• Rape Crisis – can support you and it may help to talk to someone even if you are not sure what has happened to you www.rapecrisis.org.nz
• New Zealand Police – there are police officers specially trained to work with sexual assault situations www.police.govt.nz
• Alcohol Drug Helpline 0800 787 797 (10am to 10pm, seven days a week) www.adanz.org.nz
• Sexual Abuse HELP Foundation 24 hour supportline www.asah.org.nz
• Local hospital emergency centre – staff are used to dealing with all types of physical assault.