The following information is provided by Immigration New Zealand. Those planning to attend the conference are strongly encouraged to visit the INZ website for detailed information about visas and other requirements for entry into New Zealand www.immigration.govt.nz/migrant/stream/visit/visitors/
Visas
If a person is visiting New Zealand for three months or less and is from a visa-waiver country (see list below), this person will not need to apply for a visitor visa before arriving in New Zealand as long as the purpose of the visit is legal.
A person is deemed to apply for a visitor visa by completing the required “New Zealand Passenger Arrival Card” and if granted entry permission, will also be granted a visitor visa.
A person may stay in New Zealand in accordance with the conditions on their visa.
Visitor visas granted at the airport are electronic, meaning a person may not be given a stamp or label in their passport.
United Kingdom: UK passport holders who can produce evidence of the right to reside permanently in the UK can be granted a visitor visa for up to six months upon arrival in New Zealand.
Australia: Australian citizens and permanent residents do not usually need a visa to travel to New Zealand.
Visa-waiver countries:
| Andorra | Iceland | Qatar |
| Argentina | Ireland | San Marino |
| Austria | Israel | Saudi Arabia |
| Bahrain | Italy | Singapore |
| Belgium | Japan | Slovak Republic |
| Brazil | Korea (South) | Slovenia |
| Brunei | Kuwait | South Africa |
| Bulgaria | Latvia1 | Spain |
| Canada | Liechtenstein | Sweden |
| Chile | Lithuania1 | Switzerland |
| Croatia | Luxembourg | Taiwan5 |
| Cyprus | Malaysia | United Arab Emirates |
| Czech Republic | Malta | United States of America6 |
| Denmark | Mexico | Uruguay |
| Estonia1 | Monaco | Vatican City |
| Finland | Netherlands | |
| France | Norway | |
| Germany | Oman | |
| Greece2 | Poland | |
| Hong Kong3 | Portugal4 | |
| Hungary | Romania |
1 A visa waiver does not apply to people travelling on alien’s (non-citizen’s) passports issued by these countries.
2 Greek passport holders whose passports were issued on and after 1 January 2006. (Greek passports issued before 1 January 2006 are not acceptable for travel after 1 January 2007.)
3 Residents of Hong Kong travelling on Hong Kong Special Administrative Region or British National (Overseas) passports.
4 Portuguese passport holders must also have the right to live permanently in Portugal.
5 Permanent residents of Taiwan travelling on Taiwan passports. A personal identity number printed within the visible section of the biographical page of the Taiwan passport demonstrates that the holder is a permanent resident of Taiwan.
6 Including nationals of the USA.
The following information is based on advice provided by the New Zealand Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade. Visitors may find it useful.
Biosecurity
New Zealand has a national biosecurity system that is considered one of the most robust in the world. It is critically important to us to protect our dairying industry, which plays a significant part in our national economy.
Please refer to Biosecurity New Zealand for more information.
Climate
Late August and early September marks the transition from winter to spring in New Zealand. In Auckland, the average daytime temperatures are around 15-18°C. Visitors are advised to bring warm clothing and be prepared for both sunshine and rain showers.
Currency and Banking
Automatic teller machines are located at bank branches and in hotels and selected shops in commercial areas. Cash can also be accessed from one’s account at the point of sale by requesting “cash out” when making a purchase using a debit (known as EFTPOS) or credit card. Please refer to www.xe.com for up-to-date currency conversions.
Electricity
The standard voltage of supply in New Zealand is 230 volts, 50 hertz. Most hotels and apartments provide 100 volt AC sockets (rated at 20 watts) for electric razors only.
Typical 230 volt 10 amp power outlet and plug
Goods and Services Tax
Goods and services sold in New Zealand are subject to a 15% Goods and Services Tax (GST). Retail suppliers are required to show the GST inclusive price on goods and services, and must clearly state if the tax is not included in the advertised price.
GST cannot be claimed back on purchases when leaving New Zealand. However, depending on the retailer, some goods can be purchased on a GST exclusive basis at the point of purchase, where it can be demonstrated that the items are leaving the country. The retailer is required to courier the items to the airport for collection on departure.
Insurance
It is strongly recommended that visitors purchase comprehensive travel insurance to cover the duration of travel in to New Zealand and to protect against cancellation charges, loss or damage to luggage and personal effects, loss of cash and medical expenses.
Language
New Zealand has three official languages — English, Maori and New Zealand Sign Language. The language of the conference will be in English.
Laptops
Laptops require an RJ45 type network cable to be able to connect into a network socket in New Zealand, and an adaptor with a flat, angled two or three-point power plug to connect to the power supply (see electricity above).
Time Zone
Auckland time will be 11 hours ahead of GMT during the meeting. For those staying in the country for a period following the meeting, be advised that New Zealand observes daylight savings time between the last Sunday in September (28 September 2014) and the first Sunday in April (5 April 2015). For accurate time zone calculations, see: www.timeanddate.com