New Zealand Country Report

New Zealand has enjoyed political stability since gaining independence from the United Kingdom. The security risk environment in the country is relatively benign, with no credible threat of conflict and a relatively low threat from terrorism. However, criminal activity, primarily opportunistic theft, does occur and foreign travelers have occasionally been targeted in major urban centers.

New Zealand is vulnerable to multiple natural hazards including earthquakes, tsunamis, volcanic activity and tropical cyclones, which have the potential to overwhelm disaster preparedness and recovery measures. The country is also highly susceptible to the impacts of climate change, posing considerable long-term threats to sectors such as agriculture.

Although levels remain low, criminal activity, particularly petty and opportunistic theft, does occur and foreign travelers have occasionally been targeted, particularly in major tourist areas and urban centers. An increase in thefts from vehicles has been a growing concern in recent years, and thefts from hotel rooms have been reported in some areas. The frequency of violent crime remains very low and foreign travelers are rarely affected.

Demonstrations and political gatherings are held with some frequency in New Zealand's urban centers over a range of local, domestic and international political and socio-economic issues. However, these are generally small compared to those held in many other countries and typically remain peaceful. Wide-scale industrial action also occurs infrequently and can cause localized disruption to travel and some services.

The threat from terrorism in New Zealand has historically been low, with little evidence of extremist networks operating in the country and no significant terrorist attacks having occurred since several small, isolated, and unrelated bombings in the 1980s. However, the killing of 50 people in gun attacks on two mosques in Christchurch by a far-right extremist on 15 March 2019, the most devastating attack in the country's history, forced a reassessment of the risk of terrorism and an increase in the national threat level.

New Zealand maintains strong, friendly relations with its neighbors and does not face any significant conflict threats.

There are no significant concerns over the regulatory oversight of New Zealand's aviation industry, and air travel in the country is safe. However, severe weather conditions can cause significant disruption to flight services. Overland travel can also be affected by inclement weather, and some mountain roads may be blocked by snow during winter months. Roads in New Zealand are generally well maintained but secondary routes tend to be narrow whilst those in mountainous areas can be steep and winding.

The country also has high levels of energy security, extensive mobile network coverage and fast, reliable internet connections. However, cybercrime is a growing concern due to an increase in incidents and their overall impact on the national economy.

New Zealand is vulnerable to multiple natural hazards, including earthquakes, tsunamis, volcanic activity, and tropical cyclones, which can potentially overwhelm disaster preparedness and recovery measures. Powerful storm systems can cause significant infrastructural damage and disruption during the November-April cyclone season, especially in areas along or near the northern coast. Severe weather can pose a particularly high risk in more remote mountainous areas that frequently see flooding following periods of heavy rainfall. Weather conditions can change rapidly; some areas can be quickly cut off.

New Zealand experiences thousands of earthquakes every year. Only a fraction of these are strong enough to be felt, and most earthquakes do not cause significant damage or casualties. However, the country has experienced several major earthquakes which have caused widespread damage and fatalities. Major offshore earthquakes can bring a risk of tsunamis, and a warning system is in place for coastal areas of the country.

There are no major health-related hazards in New Zealand, although mosquito-borne diseases including dengue, chikungunya and Zika are present on the Cook Islands, Niue and Tokelau. Medical facilities in the country are of a high standard but those on the Cook Islands, Niue and Tokelau provide only limited services. A number of countries including the UK and Australia have reciprocal health agreements with New Zealand which cover short-term emergency medical treatment.

New Zealand has a stable political system and there are few significant challenges to the current government. Corruption in the country is generally low, but a number of recent scandals relating to access to information and corrupt practices by politicians have undermined confidence to an extent. The rule of law is well observed and the judiciary is independent.