Students are advised to take out the insurance before they leave their home country but, if this is not possible, the International Officer and Student Co-ordinators will assist in putting this in place. This is because most students are not entitled to publicly funded health services while in New Zealand unless they are:

• a resident or citizen of Australia, or
• a national of United Kingdom in New Zealand, or
• the holder of a temporary permit that is valid for two years or more.

If you do not belong to one of these special categories and you receive medical treatment during your visit, you will be liable for the full costs of that treatment. For treatment of a cold, flu or other common health problems, you will usually visit the local doctor
(sometimes called general practitioner or GP) or the doctor’s clinic on campus. There is a NZ$15 charge for a clinic visit. Medical insurance covers the cost of staying in hospital, visits to the doctor, urgent medical treatment and medicine, and sometimes emergency dental treatment.

Travel
By air, Auckland is one hour away from Wanganui. Students have to transfer from International terminal to the Domestic terminal at Auckland airport. Students need to arrange their own domestic flights to Wanganui airport.

Travel Insurance
It is compulsory for all international students to be able to show evidence of having travel insurance at enrolment. Students are advised to arrange this insurance at the same time as they arrange their student visa so that the enrolment process is not delayed.

Driving in New Zealand
If you hold a valid overseas driver’s licence or an international driving permit, you can drive in New Zealand for a maximum of 3 months after you first arrive. You should then apply for a New Zealand Driver’s licence. You will need two kinds of identification (ID) to prove who you are and what your current address is.

However, you must be able to prove you hold a valid licence. You will only be able to drive those types of vehicles for which you were licensed in your country of origin. You must also carry that license or permit with you at all times when driving.

If you do not apply for a New Zealand driver’s licence within three months of arriving in New Zealand, you will become an unlicensed driver and could be charged if you are caught driving by the police. You need a licence to obtain car insurance.

The Road Code
The Road Code explains safe driving laws and practices ad is a guide for drivers who are preparing for a theory or practical driving test. Drivers who are new to New Zealand roads, people learning to drive and people wanting to gain a new licence class, need to refer to the New Zealand Road Code. You can buy a copy of the Road Code from book stores, driver licensing agents or you may borrow a copy from your nearest public library.

Wearing a Seat Belt: Drivers and all passengers must wear seat belts. The fine for not wearing a seat belt is NZ$150.00 each, to be paid by the driver.

Wearing a Cycle Helmet: By law, all cyclists in New Zealand must wear a cycle helmet, which can be purchased from and cycle shop.

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