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Guinea

Source: New Zealand Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade – Safe Travel

  • Reviewed: 19 August 2024, 11:14 NZST
  • Still current at: 19 August 2024

Related news features

If you are planning international travel at this time, please read our COVID-19 related travel advice here, alongside our destination specific travel advice below.

Avoid non-essential travel to the border regions with Sierra Leone, Liberia and Côte d’Ivoire due to cross-border military and rebel activity and the threat of banditry (level 3 of 4).

Exercise increased caution elsewhere in Guinea due to violent crime and the potential for civil unrest (level 2 of 4).

Guinea

Violent Crime
Violent crime is prevalent in Guinea, especially in Conakry. Armed robberies, assaults, carjackings, break-ins and muggings are becoming increasingly common throughout the country, especially at night. Violent crime is sometimes carried out by individuals wearing police or military uniforms.

The security situation along areas bordering Sierra Leone, Liberia, Mali and Côte d’Ivoire is particularly dangerous, due to ongoing military and rebel activity.

Petty crime such as pickpocketing and bag snatching is also an issue. Thieves, including children,  target busy areas such as at the airport, in markets and at hotels. Foreigners may be targeted due to their perceived wealth, avoid displaying or wearing items that appear valuable such as mobile devices, cameras and jewellery.

Walking alone or travelling after dark should be avoided and if travelling by road, car doors should be locked and windows up. No resistance should be given if you are the victim of an armed robbery or carjacking, as this could lead to an escalation in violence.  

Civil Unrest
Ethnic tensions are an issue in Guinea, including in the capital Conakry. In the past, there have been instances of ethnic violence in parts of the country, such as the south-east, which have resulted in a large number of deaths. Demonstrations, protests and political rallies also occur regularly in Guinea, often in response to domestic political developments or around elections.  Protests occasionally lead to violence or clashes with security forces. Police have used tear gas and fired warning shots to disperse demonstrations.

New Zealanders in Guinea are advised to avoid all demonstrations, protests and large public gatherings as even those intended as peaceful have the potential to turn violent with little warning. We also advise monitoring the media and other local sources for new information on possible threats to safety and security. During periods of unrest, the supply of essential goods and services, such as food, water and fuel, may be disrupted. Make sure you have evacuation plans in place.

Terrorism
Terrorism is a threat in Guinea, and terrorists could target places frequented by foreigners such as hotels, beaches and restaurants. New Zealanders in Guinea are advised to keep themselves informed of potential risks to safety and security by monitoring the media and other local information sources. We recommend exercising vigilance in public places.

Local Travel
There are checkpoints and roadblocks, manned by Guinean authorities and other groups, throughout the country. It is a legal requirement to carry identity documents at all times.  At checkpoints, remain in your vehicle and produce requested documents through a raised window. Travellers may also be submitted to checks of their personal belongings or required to pay a bribe.  

New Zealanders are advised to be particularly security conscious near the Conakry airport. If your flight is scheduled to arrive after dark, it is advisable to arrange for an airport transfer service prior to your arrival.  Do not accept unsolicited offers of assistance. 

Piracy
Piracy has been reported in the coastal waters off Guinea. Mariners are advised to be vigilant and take appropriate precautionary measures in these waters. For more information view the International Maritime Bureau’s piracy report.

General Travel Advice
As there is no New Zealand diplomatic presence in Guinea, the ability of the government to provide consular assistance to New Zealand citizens is severely limited. We offer advice to New Zealanders about contingency planning that travellers to Guinea should consider.

New Zealanders are advised to respect religious, social and cultural traditions in Guinea to avoid offending local sensitivities. Modesty and discretion should be exercised in both dress and behaviour.

Penalties for possession, use or trafficking of illegal drugs are severe and can include lengthy imprisonment or fines. The possession, sale and export of special gems without a licence or correct authorisation may carry also heavy penalties.

Photography of government offices, military establishments or officials, official residences or transportation facilities is prohibited, and could result in detention. If in doubt, don’t take a picture.

There is a lack of medical equipment and medicine in the capital and throughout Guinea. New Zealanders travelling or living in Guinea should have a comprehensive travel insurance policy in place that includes provision for medical evacuation by air.

New Zealanders in Guinea are encouraged to register their details with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade.

Travel tips

See our regional advice for Africa

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Antarctic Heritage Trust launch of Scott’s Discovery Hut Virtual Reality Experience

Source: New Zealand Governor General

Rau rangatira mā, e huihui nei, tēnei aku mihi nui ki a koutou. Nau mai haere mai ki Te Whare Kawana o Te Whanganui-a-Tara. Kia ora tātou katoa.

It’s my great pleasure to welcome you all to Government House Wellington. I specifically acknowledge: Francesca Eathorne, Executive Director, Antarctic Heritage Trust; Mark Stewart, Board Chair, Antarctic Heritage Trust; Aliesha Staples, StaplesVR. Tēnā koutou katoa.

As Governor-General, and patron of the Antarctic Heritage Trust, I’m delighted to have this opportunity to help launch Scott’s Discovery Hut Virtual Reality Experience here this evening.

Commander Robert Falcon Scott’s National Antarctic Discovery Expedition of 1901-1904 is legendary – and, in the 120 succeeding years, has filled the pages of countless history books, and sparked the imagination of so many around the world. This groundbreaking virtual reality experience adds a new dimension to the story of Scott and his team, and brings their adventure – its trials, tragedies, and triumphs – truly to life.

Accessing such an experience is not only significant on a scientific and historical level, but also on a deeply human one. Scott’s legacy is one of great courage, intellectual curiosity, and outstanding leadership in the face of almost unimaginable hardship. His ethos was one of leaving no man behind, and of testing the very limits of human physical and psychological strength.

Scott’s diaries – to which I sometimes turn for inspiration in my own life – provide a glimpse into the psyche of this remarkable man: ‘I do not think human beings ever came through such a month as we have. We are weak, writing is difficult, but for my own sake I do not regret this journey, which has shown we can endure hardships, help one another, and meet death with as great a fortitude as ever in the past.’

At a time in our history when we might find many reasons for concern and worry – the increasing threat of climate change, ongoing global conflicts, and a heightened sense of division – the qualities that Scott and his team demonstrated – of courage, respect for the natural world, and a deep sense of care for one another – remain as pertinent as ever. This virtual reality experience puts us into the shoes, and, indeed, the mindsets, of those remarkable men.

Scott’s Discovery Hut Virtual Reality Experience is also a wonderful demonstration of the use of technology for aiding and increasing accessibility. The reality of visiting Scott’s Hut on Ross Island would, of course, not only be prohibitively difficult for most – it would also be at an ongoing and cumulative cost to that exceedingly precious and delicate part of our world.

On that note, I wish to acknowledge all the work that the Antarctic Heritage Trust does to conserve Scott’s Hut – taonga that it is – and to ensure its protection through the Ross Sea Heritage Restoration Project, well into the future.

Having tried out the virtual experience just a few moments ago, I can say that I was blown away by the meticulous level of detail, and the spine-tingling sense it created of being there, in that extraordinary place – a true testament to the skill and talent of the team at StaplesVR.

As a country, we can be very proud that one of the world’s most creative and pioneering virtual and augmented reality providers is based here, in Aotearoa.

My sincere thanks and congratulations once again to Francesca and your team at the Antarctic Heritage Trust, for all the many months and years of planning and work that have culminated in today. As Governor-General, I am proud to be patron of an organisation whose mission it is to encourage a sense of curiosity and exploration across generations. I can think of no better way of doing justice to the legacy of Scott – and all our great Antarctic explorers.

It brings me great pleasure to officially launch Scott’s Discovery Hut Virtual Reality Experience

Kia ora huihui tātou katoa.

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Burundi

Source: New Zealand Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade – Safe Travel

  • Reviewed: 15 August 2024, 15:21 NZST
  • Still current at: 15 August 2024

Related news features

If you are planning international travel at this time, please read our COVID-19 related travel advice here, alongside our destination specific travel advice below.

Do not travel to the border areas with the Democratic Republic of Congo and with Rwanda due to the risk of armed attacks. (level 4 of 4).

Avoid non-essential travel elsewhere in Burundi due to the threats of terrorism, political violence and violent crime (level 3 of 4).

Burundi

Political Tension/Civil Unrest
The political and security situation in Burundi is volatile and unpredictable and could deteriorate with little warning.

There has been ongoing, sporadic violence and unrest since April 2015, in response to political developments. Violent incidents, armed clashes, protests and demonstrations occur frequently in the capital Bujumbura and other centres and have resulted in a significant number of deaths. Tensions remain very high and further violence is likely.

New Zealanders are advised to avoid all unnecessary travel and maintain a high degree of personal security awareness. You should monitor developments closely through the media and other local information sources. Avoid all protests, political events, rallies and large public gatherings as they have the potential to turn violent with little warning.

Terrorism
There is an ongoing threat of terrorism in Burundi. The terrorist group Al-Shabaab has made public threats to conduct attacks in Burundi, specifically in Bujumbura. 

New Zealanders in Burundi are advised to be vigilant in public places, avoid crowded areas and follow any instructions issued by the local authorities. We advise having robust personal security measures in place including letting family and friends know about your travel plans.

Violent Crime
Violent crime, including armed robbery, grenade attacks mugging and carjacking is common throughout Burundi and the risk increases significantly after dark. 

Travel outside Bujumbura and other major towns presents significant risks, especially after dark. Armed bandits are known to operate outside of Bujumbura, and travellers should be especially careful in remote areas such as national parks. There is also a risk of kidnapping in Bubanza and Cibitoke provinces, and foreigners have been attacked in the past.

New Zealanders in Burundi should seek local advice if travelling outside Bujumbura. Contact the UN office in Burundi for the latest security advice. No resistance should be given if you are the victim of an armed robbery, mugging or carjacking as this could lead to an escalation in violence. For security reasons you should not travel alone or at night, and if travelling by road, car doors should be locked and windows up. We strongly advise against using public transport, even in Bujumbura city centre.

Border Regions
Armed groups operate in Burundi and sporadic conflict and low-level violence between rebel and government forces occurs, particularly in Bubanza and Cibitoke provinces. 

There is a significant risk of kidnapping and armed banditry by rebel groups in areas close to the borders with the Democratic Republic of Congo and Rwanda. We strongly advise against all travel to these border areas. 

General Travel Advice
As there is no New Zealand diplomatic presence in Burundi, the ability of the New Zealand Government to provide assistance to New Zealand citizens is severely limited.

We offer advice to New Zealanders about contingency planning that travellers to Burundi should consider.

Keep your passport in a safe place and only carry a photocopy for identification purposes.

There are frequent checkpoints where police check identity papers. There have been reports of harassment, intimidation and violence at checkpoints. Comply with requests, stay inside your vehicle and display colour copies of your documents through the window.

Penalties for possession, use or trafficking of illegal drugs are severe and can include lengthy imprisonment or fines.

Photography of government offices, airports, military establishments or officials is prohibited, could result in detention. If in doubt, don’t take a picture.

Medical services in Burundi are very limited, and New Zealanders travelling or living in Burundi should have a comprehensive  travel insurance policy in place that includes provision for medical evacuation by air. You should check your policy covers travel to Burundi, as exclusions are likely to apply.

New Zealanders who remain in Burundi against our advice are strongly encouraged to register their details with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade.

 

Travel tips

See our regional advice for Africa

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Timor-Leste

Source: New Zealand Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade – Safe Travel

  • Reviewed: 15 August 2024, 12:54 NZST
  • Still current at: 15 August 2024

Related news features

If you are planning international travel at this time, please read our COVID-19 related travel advice here, alongside our destination specific travel advice below.

Exercise increased caution in Timor-Leste due to crime and isolated incidents of civil unrest (level 2 of 4).

Timor-Leste

Crime
There are occasional incidents of assault and other crime in Timor-Leste, including in Dili. Foreigners may be targeted for robbery because of their perceived wealth. Gang-related violence can occur, and in the past has included stone throwing at vehicles, robbery, arson and vandalism.

New Zealanders in Timor-Leste should exercise a high degree of personal security awareness at all times, and pay close attention to personal belongings. Sexual harassment of foreigners is common, predominantly against women. We advise against travelling alone at night and to isolated areas for security reasons.  Women should avoid using public transport (including taxis) alone, especially at night.

Road Travel
Poor road quality, poor driving standards and a large number of cars and motorbikes on the roads, especially in Dili, makes driving hazardous and accidents are frequent, especially at night when lighting can be minimal. Public transport is generally considered unsafe and should be avoided.

Driving accidents can attract large crowds that can turn violent at short notice. In the event that you are involved in a traffic accident you should remain in your vehicle and immediately call the Timor-Leste National Police (emergency number 3311380). Should you assess any threats to your personal safety you should remove yourself from the situation.

Checkpoints occasionally operate in Dili and throughout the country. New Zealanders should carry relevant personal identification and vehicle registration papers with them at all times.

Air Travel
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade does not offer advice on the safety of individual airlines. We recommend New Zealanders refer to the International Air Transport Association’s list of registered airlines that have been audited and found to meet a number of operational safety standards and recommended practices. 

Sea Travel
We recommend caution in undertaking boating activities, including in travelling between islands.  Always check that appropriate safety standards are met prior to travel.

Civil Unrest
Timor-Leste is generally stable, but there are ongoing security risks.  Disturbances could occur with little warning and escalate quickly. This includes fighting between martial arts gangs in certain areas of Dili and Baucau and during political events.

New Zealanders in Timor-Leste are advised to avoid political protests and heavily crowded areas. Regularly monitor the media and local information sources to keep up to date on political and security developments. If you find yourself in an area of disturbance, leave the area immediately and move to a safe location.

Piracy
Piracy is a problem in South East Asian waters. Mariners are advised to take appropriate precautionary measures. For more information view the International Maritime Bureau’s piracy report.

General Travel Advice
Medical services in Timor-Leste are very limited and pharmaceuticals are difficult to obtain. New Zealanders travelling or resident in Timor-Leste should have a comprehensive travel insurance policy in place that includes provision for medical evacuation by air.

Rabies has been detected in Oecusse and West Timor. Contact with dogs, cats, monkeys, bats and other mammals should be avoided.

New Zealanders undertaking adventure activities such as diving, should note there is no hyperbaric chamber in Timor-Leste.  If diving, check that you are covered by your travel insurance policy and always ensure safety standards are in place. 

Swimmers should be alert to the fact that there are no lifeguards on beaches. Wearing reef shoes or similar is encouraged to protect against coral cuts.

Crocodile attacks are reported in the eastern districts and along the southern coast. Crocodiles have been seen on beaches and inland waterways, including in Dili. Exercise caution.

Exercise personal care regarding mosquitos. Dengue cases have been recorded in Timor-Leste in recent years, and travellers are advised to protect themselves against mosquito bites. Outbreaks can occur during the monsoon season which typically runs from December to April.

New Zealanders are advised to respect religious, social and cultural traditions in Timor-Leste to avoid offending local sensitivities. Modesty and discretion should be exercised.

Penalties for possession, use or trafficking of illegal drugs are severe and can include lengthy imprisonment or fines.

Timor-Leste lies in an active seismic zone, and experiences earthquakes. Familiarise yourself with general safety procedures in the event of an earthquake.

New Zealanders travelling or resident in Timor-Leste are encouraged to register their details with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade.

Travel tips

The New Zealand Embassy Dili, Timor-Leste

Street Address Rua de Ermera, No.19, Motael, Dili, Timor-Leste Telephone +670 331 0087 Emergency Telephone +64 99 20 20 20 Email dil@mfat.govt.nz Hours Mon – Fri 8:30am – 12:30pm; 1:30pm – 4:30pm

See our regional advice for South East Asia

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Cote d’Ivoire/Ivory Coast

Source: New Zealand Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade – Safe Travel

  • Reviewed: 15 August 2024, 12:21 NZST
  • Still current at: 15 August 2024

Related news features

If you are planning international travel at this time, please read our COVID-19 related travel advice here, alongside our destination specific travel advice below.

Do not travel within 40km of the borders with Mali and Burkina Faso, the Northern Zanzan and Savenes provinces, and the Comoe National Park due to the volatile security situation and terrorism (level 4 of 4). 

Avoid non-essential travel to the regions bordering Liberia, particularly the Cavally, Guémon, San Pedro and Tonkpi regions within 50km of the border with Liberia ,  due to the presence of armed groups, crime and the potential for cross-border attacks (level 3 of 4).

Exercise increased caution elsewhere in Côte d’Ivoire due to terrorism, violent crime and the potential for civil unrest (level 2 of 4).

Cote d’Ivoire/Ivory Coast

Terrorism
There is a threat of terrorism in Côte d’Ivoire from Al-Qaida in the Islamic Maghreb (AQIM) and its associated groups. On 13 March 2016, an armed attack on Grand Bassam Resort, near Abidjan, resulted in 18 deaths, including a number of foreigners. Border areas remain porous and have resulted in several small-scale attacks near the border with Burkina Faso. Further attacks could be directed against public places or locations known to be frequented by foreigners, such as resorts, transport hubs, places of worship, hotels or restaurants.
New Zealanders in Côte d’Ivoire are advised to be security conscious at all times, monitor the media for information about threats to safety and security and follow any advice and instructions issued by the local authorities.

Violent Crime
Violent crime, including armed robbery, home invasion and carjacking, occurs throughout Côte d’Ivoire, particularly in major urban and densely populated areas including Abidjan. Highway robberies, including using roadblocks to intercept vehicles, have been reported, including on roads between major centres such as Yamoussoukro, Bouaké and Korhogo. There are reports of daytime muggings in the Le Plateau area and along the Charles de Gaulle and Houphouet Boigny bridges in Abidjan. Petty crime such as bag snatching and pickpocketing also occurs.

New Zealanders in Côte d’Ivoire should exercise a high degree of personal security awareness at all times, and avoid displaying or wearing items that appear valuable, such as jewellery, cameras and mobile devices. Be particularly careful in the neighbourhoods of Abobo, Adjamé, Treichville, Yopougon.

Plan road journeys carefully – always drive with windows closed and doors locked and hide valuables from view. We advise against travelling alone, by public transport, or after dark. No resistance should be given if you are the victim of an armed robbery, mugging or carjacking as this could lead to an escalation in violence.

Civil Unrest
Demonstrations occur from time to time in Côte d’Ivoire and have on occasion led to violence, with clashes between protestors and security forces. New Zealanders are advised to avoid all demonstrations, protests and rallies, as even those intended to be peaceful have the potential to turn violent.

Tensions remain between armed groups and militias in areas bordering Liberia, Mali and Burkina Faso.

General Travel Advice
As there is no New Zealand diplomatic presence in Côte d’Ivoire, the ability of the government to assist New Zealand citizens who require consular assistance is severely limited.

New Zealanders are advised to respect religious, social and cultural traditions in Côte d’Ivoire to avoid offending local sensitivities. Modesty and discretion should be exercised in both dress and behaviour.

Authorities may ask for proof of your identity, so carry a colour photocopy of your passport and visa for Côte d’Ivoire at all times.

Photography of government buildings, airports, military establishments or official residences is prohibited. If in doubt, don’t take a picture.

New Zealanders travelling or living in Côte d’Ivoire should have a comprehensive travel insurance policy in place that includes provision for medical evacuation by air.

New Zealanders travelling or resident in Côte d’Ivoire are encouraged to register their details with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade.

 

See our regional advice for Africa

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Kosovo

Source: New Zealand Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade – Safe Travel

Kosovo

Civil Unrest/Political Tension
The security situation in Kosovo is currently calm but remains tense. In the past, violent incidents involving grenades, vehicle explosions and unrest have occurred in several towns in northern Kosovo, including the northern part of the city of Mitrovica. There have also been a number of protests in central Pristina, some of which have turned violent.

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15 August 2024 From refugee to community leader Nasra wanted her new neighbourhood to feel safe and welcoming, so she made it her mission to create a friendly community.

Source: New Zealand Government Kainga Ora

When Nasra and her family moved into their home at a Kāinga Ora complex, they had one big wish – a friendly and supportive community. Now everyone knows the family and pitches in to volunteer at the community events Nasra organises.

“I moved in here five years ago along with my husband Jafari and four children. It was brand new, and we wanted our children to live in a safe, friendly place so we thought about what we could do to create that, how we could get to know everyone.”

Nasra’s first step was to organise a Neighbours Day BBQ after seeing a poster about it.

“On the day, around 50 people turned up and we had a wonderful time. People were saying they wanted more opportunities to get together so we made a list of what we wanted.”

Nasra tending to her thriving vege garden

The complex includes a community room, so Nasra and her helpers decided to start by using the space to run a free school holiday programme. It’s been a great success with up to 20 children in attendance for games and craft fun under the watchful eyes of volunteer staff.

Neighbour Sammi says she volunteers because she loves children: “They call me Aunty or Teacher. And I wanted to help my friend Nasra. She brings love, joy, and happiness to this neighbourhood.”

The children return to the community room on Friday nights for movies and popcorn, another chance to be with friends. And for the grown-ups, there are clothing swap shops, a sewing club, and occasional workshops.

Hikmah, another volunteer, especially enjoys the sewing club. “I wanted to learn new skills and do something for my family. Being able to sew my children’s clothes makes me feel proud and it saves my family money. And I’ve made wonderful friends through the group.

“In the summer, the children play together for hours, and we feel a great sense of safety and support.

“We have neighbours from India, Samoa, Iraq, Africa, Germany, and China. We all want to feel safe and to have friends.”

To help new migrants settle in, the volunteer group organise workshops where neighbours learn about Māori and New Zealand culture, as well as events to celebrate Christmas, Easter, Chinese New Year and Eid, to name but a few.

“It is important to us to learn the ways of New Zealand and to help others feel that they belong. Together we are so much stronger,” says Nasra.

“When we were first here, I was nervous to send my children outside to play but now all the kids know each other, they play together and respect each other – and it’s the most beautiful thing.” 

Page updated: 15 August 2024

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Royal Commission of Inquiry into Abuse in Care Survivor Event

Source: New Zealand Governor General

Tēnā tātou

Ka matika atu ki te kaupapa o te ra,

Ki a koutou, nga morehu o te tūkino;

E kore nei te mamae, te rongo,

e taku ngakau, mōu i kawe i roto i nga tau kua pahure.

Nau mai, haere mai ki tēnei whare āhuru mōwai, e haumaru nei i a koutou, mo tēnei wā poto, i te rangi nei.

Ki a koutou ngā mōrehu;

E arohanuitia ana ki a koutou katoa;T

Tena koutou

Tena koutou

Tena tātou katoa

Greetings one and all

To the survivors of abuse who have gathered today.

I do not pretend to understand the hurt and pain that you all have been burdened with over many, many years.

I welcome you one and all to my House, a house of refuge, albeit for a short time.

To you, the survivors

I acknowledge you all with the utmost aroha;

Welcome

Welcome

Greetings to one and all

In addition to survivors, I acknowledge also their supporters here today, former Commissioners, former Senior Inquiry Staff, and Decommissioning Team members.

You are all most welcome. It is a great privilege for Richard and me to host people who have made such a huge contribution to the Royal Commission of Inquiry into Abuse in Care.

When the Inquiry began in 2018, my predecessor, Dame Patsy Reddy was Governor-General. Six years later, the final report was presented to me, in June this year.

The length of the inquiry is not surprising, given that tens of thousands of survivors and their whānau are living with the impacts of trauma suffered in care. 

So much human potential has been wasted. So many generations have experienced callous indifference to their physical, emotional and spiritual wellbeing. We have seen Māori, Pasifika and disability children disproportionately affected, as well as people from many other communities.

On behalf of all New Zealanders, I want to thank everyone associated with the Royal Commission for taking on the challenge of making the invisible visible; for taking our nation to task; and for making it clear how we can and must forestall such catastrophes in the future.

Survivors here today know what it’s like to wait for so many years to be heard and believed.

You have carried the burden of a nightmare of memories, where you were powerless to escape the inhumanity inflicted on you in institutions and foster care – when complaints were either ignored, punished with further deprivation, or resulted in relocation to even worse situations.

Only you will know the effects of that trauma on your sense of self, your health, your trust in others, and your dreams for the future.

Your presence here today is testament to your courage and resilience. You have beaten the odds, and I applaud your determination to ensure that other people will not have to endure the same trauma.

Thank you for placing your trust in the Royal Commission. In speaking your truth to power, I hope the truth has set you free.

You will know other survivors who couldn’t bring themselves to speak up. Their reluctance to engage with yet another public institution was understandable, given their experiences.

You will also know survivors who might have participated in the Inquiry, had they lived long enough to see their experiences heard and vindicated.

I hope there will be some comfort in knowing they would be proud of what you have achieved. Your experiences are now part of the national record, and your insights have informed the Royal Commission’s recommendations and vision for the future of care.

In the past, you may have felt isolated by your experiences. I hope that you now feel the support of people who share and understand what you have been through.

Like you all, I hope this Inquiry will be the catalyst for widespread change in social welfare, the disability sector, mental health, education, law enforcement and pastoral care.

My wish is that in the future, people will look back and see a huge shift in thinking about the wellbeing of children and young people in New Zealand.

I am particularly drawn to a survivors’ vision of the future, expressed so perfectly in He Māra Tipu, and I quote: an Aotearoa New Zealand where every child, young person and adult is loved, safe and cared for in a manner that supports their growth and development into a thriving contributor to society. 

If this is our over-riding goal – and surely it must be – then New Zealanders have a collective responsibility to do what is necessary to uphold the mana of everyone, in all their diversity, and whatever their needs and circumstances.

Today, I am hosting you in my role as Governor-General, but also as a mother and grandmother, a former Children’s Commissioner, social worker and public health administrator. 

I am looking forward to meeting you and hearing more about your experiences and your views about how Aotearoa New Zealand can right the wrongs of the past; make care safe for our young people; and empower communities to be part of that process.

I am also looking forward to hearing Fa’amoana Luafutu perform and seeing survivors’ art. Words cannot always express what we might want to say, but the creative spark within us finds other ways of making sense of experience.

Someone who does have words for us today is Frances Tagaloa [pron: Tung-a-loa] – a survivor of abuse in faith-based care, a former advisory group member to the Commission, a co-chair of the Survivor Experiences Services and a board member of the survivor arts collective, Te Roopu Toiora.

My thanks to you Frances, and I now invite you to share your thoughts about that journey. 

 

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14 August 2024 Now I can breathe That was the response of one tenant who has just moved into a newly built Kāinga Ora home in Mathews Road, Gisborne.

Source: New Zealand Government Kainga Ora

After five moves in the last two years, Cynthia, her 82-year-old mum Terongo, and Terongo’s 10-year-old great-granddaughter Devannah-Paige finally have a home in which they can settle.

It has been horrid, says the resilient Cynthia, fighting back tears. “I have had the responsibility of constantly trying to find somewhere for us stay and I have hated it; it has just been so hard.

“When Vicky (Kāinga Ora placement advisor) told me she had a home for us to look at, I didn’t want to get too excited. That news was just too good to be true.”

“Now we have moved in, I am so relieved. The thought of having a long-term home that we won’t get moved on from, is huge. It has been a long road getting here.”

Cynthia’s whanau whakapapa to Tokomaru Bay on the East Coast.

“Mum moved back to Tokomaru Bay after living in Auckland for 46 years. We were in an older state home and had to move out when it was getting upgraded. We decided to move back to our roots. We moved into one of the kaumatua flats in Tokomaru Bay and lived there for 2 years.

Terongo is the matriarch of a large family – she has 96 direct descendants.

Unfortunately, we moved on from the flats after family celebrated mum’s 80th birthday. With nowhere else to go, in 2022 we moved onto family land that was also in Tokomaru Bay. The land had been surveyed to have a house placed on the site for us all to live in. That was where we were when the wettest summer in living memory landed in Tairāwhiti.”

The rains started in November and just didn’t stop, recalls Cynthia. “Then Cyclone Hale hit us hard followed by Cyclone Gabrielle.”

“We were living in a kaūta (lean-to) at the time. The home-made kitchen and living area were made from corrugated iron. It had no power, no running water and no floor; definitely off the grid! I hired a cabin where Devannah-Paige, our extended family and I were sleeping. Mum slept on a couch in the kaūta.

“After the cyclones, we were completely cut off. The Mangahauini River bridge that takes you into Gisborne was gone. Supplies were delivered via a chilli bin hooked on a pulley that was hauled over the river. Our land is in a gully down river. With the huge number of trees and debris washed down, our land was devastated and is still at risk.”

“That’s when the Temporary Accommodation Service (TAS) stepped in. The TAS service is activated to house people after Civil Defence emergencies. They moved us into a motel in Gisborne. Then we were lucky enough to get a temporary house before we were moved into a cabin at a local motor camp. That’s where we were when we got the call from Vicky.”

Terongo is also relieved. “This house is so big compared to what we have been living in. I am looking forward to having my family visit without any problems. This is very important to me.”

“I have trouble getting around now. It is great to use my hospital bed again. I have been sleeping on a lazyboy chair for some time. The house has been built with wider doorways, a larger shower so I can fit my shower chair in and a separate toilet – which is a real treat,” adds Terongo.

As her home is starting to come together, Cynthia reflects that she can stop wondering if they will be homeless again. “Thank goodness we got a house just before I broke. I really couldn’t have taken much more.”

Mangahauini River bridge

Page updated: 14 August 2024

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Monitoring the system – Results of the 2024 New Zealand Consumer Survey are now available

Source: Consumer Affairs – New Zealand Government

The latest consumer survey was undertaken earlier this year, and was for the first time completed entirely online.

The survey, which is under taken every two years, had 3,500 participants and was a joint collaboration between MBIE’s Consumer Services and the Commerce Commission. This survey is the fifth in the series, providing trend analysis over a substantial period of time.

These results have now been published and offer a comprehensive picture of consumer confidence, experience, and overall awareness of consumer matters. As a result, the Ministry of Business, Employment and Innovation (MBIE) is better positioned to work with our partners in the system to empower and build the capability of everyday consumers to resolve issues.

Some of the key findings show;

Purchasing, and reports of problems have both decreased since the previous survey in 2022

Consumers are significantly less likely to have purchased items in many of the product and service categories in 2024 compared to 2022. Concurrently, fewer consumers report having experienced a problem with a product or service over the last two years, down from 55% in 2022 to 41% in 2024.

Of those who had a problem with a purchase, 68% took action to resolve their most recent problem which is approximately in line with the results seen in 2022 (67%).

Motor vehicles from a private seller have the highest incidence of problems (22% vs 12% avg)

This has significantly increased in prevalence since 2022 and motor vehicles from a car dealer follow closely behind with 17% incidence of problems. Private vehicle sales are also the most expensive to fix, with overall cost to fix averaging over $12,000.

Only half of consumers (52%) agree that there is adequate access to services that help resolve disputes

Use of dispute resolution services has increased in 2024, however of the 68% of consumers who took action to resolve a problem in the last two years, only 17% contacted a dispute resolution service, (up from 11% in 2022). Feedback on the survey shows that a lack of knowledge is the main barrier to use of dispute resolutions services.

Online purchases continue to grow

The vast majority (93%) of consumers have made an online purchase in the last six months and there is a slow but steady increase in the number of consumers who shop online frequently, up to 65% in 2024 compared to 62% in 2022 and 58% in 2020. However, online purchases had a lower incidence of problems (42%) than offline purchases (58%) and they are more likely to be a result of non-delivery and less likely to be faulty or damaged.

Knowledge of consumer rights and legislation remains high, but knowing more is key to resolving issues

Almost all consumers (94%) are aware that New Zealand laws exist to protect basic consumer rights when purchasing products and services, and just over half (55%) say that they know at least a moderate amount about their rights.

Knowledge of rights is important because those who know little or nothing about their consumer rights are significantly less likely (61% and 48% respectively) to seek resolution if a problem occurs. 

The full New Zealand Consumer Survey 2024 can be found here.

New Zealand consumer surveys(external link) — Ministry of Business, Innovation, & Employment