U.S. Embassy & Consulate
in New Zealand, Cook Islands and Niue

Victims of Crime

If you are the victim of a crime in a foreign country, it can be a devastating and traumatic experience.  While no one can undo the emotional trauma, physical injury, or financial loss you may have experienced, the U.S. Consulate in Auckland, New Zealand is ready to help.  We are very concerned about violent crimes committed against U.S. citizens in New Zealand.  We will help you in managing the practical consequences of being a crime victim, and provide you with information about contacting the local criminal justice system, as well as other resources for crime victims abroad and in the United States.  This office can help you in finding appropriate medical care, contacting family or friends on your behalf, and explaining how funds can be transferred.  We can also help you to better understand the criminal justice system in New Zealand, which is very different from the system in the United States.

Reporting Crimes

If you are injured during a criminal act, call 111 right away.  You can also report a crime or register a complaint at any police station; a friend or family member can make the report under some circumstances.  The crime does not have to be reported in the jurisdiction where the crime took place.  A statute of limitations governs some crimes and the reporting of them.  You will be given a copy of the police report, and the police and courts will provide an interpreter if required.  The Consulate cannot file a complaint on your behalf.

Special Information for Cases of Domestic Violence

Domestic Violence is considered a crime in New Zealand.  You can get a protection/restraining order through the Family Court, and they are strictly enforced.  Contact the Police immediately if the protection/restraining order are not followed.  Domestic violence shelters are located throughout the country and their addresses and locations are confidential.  The beds will vary depending upon the type of shelters. Referrals to shelters are made along with Domestic Violence Centers.  Children will stay with their parent in the shelter.  Domestic Violence Hotlines run 24 hours and operators speak English.Women’s Refuge crisis line — free from any phone, 24 hours a day, every day (from NZ: 0800 733 843).

Embassy Location

All consular services in New Zealand, including those provided to U.S. citizens, are through the United States Consulate General in Auckland; there is no consular presence in the Embassy in Wellington.

If you are going to live or visit New Zealand, please take the time to tell our consulate about your trip.  If you check in, we can keep you up to date with important safety and security announcements.  It will also help your friends and family get in touch with you in an emergency.  Here’s the link to the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program.

You can also enroll directly with the Consulate in Auckland by using the information below.

U.S. Consulate Auckland
Level 3, Citigroup Building, 23 Customs Street East, Auckland
Telephone:649 303 2724, ext 2800
Emergency line: 64 (0) 9 303 2724 ext 2900 or  Facsimile: 64 (0) 9 303 1069
Email: aucklandacs@state.gov.