Travelling to New Zealand
Travelling to New Zealand is easy. For practical information and travel advice before you leave: www.newzealand.com/int/travel-guide
Before travelling to a country, you need to know the basic facts. New Zealand is a small country, similar in size to Great Britain or Japan. With a population of just over 4 million people it is gloriously uncrowded. Learn more about New Zealand here www.newzealand.com/int/facts

AUCKLAND AIRPORT
www.auckland-airport.co.nz ~ +64 9 275 0789 or 0800 247 767 ~ tellus@aucklandairport.co.nz
Auckland Airport is 18.5km and about 30 minutes from Auckland City, with easy public transport available from the airport terminals. Please allow for extra travel time in peak hours.  If you are traveling by taxi, they are located outside the domestic and international terminals and cost approximately NZ$85-$95 (one way) into the city. Airport shuttle services are available and car rental may be arranged via the links on this page. The Skybus departs every 15 minutes to the city, and costs about NZ$18 each way.

Agricultural Restrictions and Quarantine
New Zealand's agricultural industries are free of many insect pests and plant and animal diseases common elsewhere in the world. We put a lot of effort at ports and airports into minimising the risk of these being introduced. Heavy fines may be imposed on people caught carrying prohibited materials. On arrival visitors should place any questionable items, particularly fruit, in the bins provided at the airport. Please refer to http://biosecurity.govt.nz for more information.

Air Travel
Air New Zealand ~ +64 800 737 000 ~ http://www.airnewzealand.co.nz/
For international passengers, we suggest that you try to allow yourself at least a day in which to adjust to the time difference and relax after your flight, before the Meeting commences. Travellers flying westward across the Pacific Ocean are reminded that they will lose a day by crossing the International Date Line. The ‘lost day’ will be returned on the return journey. To obtain the best rates for domestic air travel, it is essential to book airfares as soon as possible.

Banks
Banks in New Zealand are open from 9.30am to 4.30pm Monday to Friday. Most banks are closed weekends and public holidays. Automatic Teller Machines (ATM) are open 24 hours and widely available at banks and along main shopping streets. International credit cards and ATM cards will work as long as they have a four-digit PIN encoded. Check with your bank before leaving home. Foreign currency can easily be exchanged at banks, some hotels and Bureau de Change kiosks, which are found at international airports and most city centres.

Biosecurity
In order to protect New Zealand and its environment, certain items are not allowed to be brought into the country, have restrictions for entry, or must be declared if they are deemed to present a biosecurity risk. These include food, plants, animal products and outdoor recreational equipment. You may risk a fine if you fail to comply. www.mpi.govt.nz/travel-and-recreation/arriving-in-new-zealand/items-to-declare

Car Parking
Cordis Valet Parking:  NZD$45.00 per car, per night (strictly standard-sized vehicles only)
Public Pay & Display Parking: find out about public Wilson car parks near the hotel

Climate
The weather varies throughout New Zealand by region and by season: www.newzealand.com/int/feature/new-zealand-climate-and-weather
 
Contact During the Conference
As a courtesy to speakers, delegates are requested to switch mobile phones to silent during sessions. Messages can be left at the registration desk. Delegates will need to check with the registration desk if they are expecting any messages.

Credit Cards
Credit cards are widely accepted. Commonly accepted are Visa, MasterCard, American Express and Diners. These cards are accepted by this Meeting.

Cultural or Religious Considerations
If you have any cultural considerations or religious observances that require alterations to your attendance, participation in presentations or dietary requirements we would be happy to assist. Please email the Conference Managers with your requirements.

We are aware it is Jewish Passover during the time of the conference. If you are unable to present oral or poster sessions on certain days please let us know.  For your convenience there is a Synagogue within 10 minutes walking distance of The Cordis Hotel. 
Auckland Hebrew Congregation, 108 Greys Ave, Auckland, 1010 

Currency Exchange
The currency used is the New Zealand Dollar (NZD). Currency units are dollars and cents. New Zealand notes are $100, $50, $20, $10 and $5. Coins are $2, $1, 50 and 20 cents. For the currency exchange : www.newzealand.com/int/feature/new-zealand-currency

Electricity
New Zealand's electricity supply runs at 230/240 volts and uses angled two or three pin plugs (the same as Australia and parts of Asia).
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Facilities for People with Disabilities
Please indicate during the registration process if you require disabled facilities.

Goods and Services Tax
Goods and services in NZ are subject to a 15% tax (GST). This is usually included in the price, but if not, is clearly stated.

Health
New Zealand has a high standard of hygiene. Doctors and dentists are highly trained and hospitals are well equipped. In the event of illness, hotel staff can arrange a doctor for you.

i-SITE New Zealand
i-SITE is New Zealand’s official visitor information network. There are currently 80 i-SITE locations found throughout New Zealand where you can speak to a travel expert for local knowledge and bookings throughout New Zealand.
http://www.newzealand.com/int/visitor-information-centre/
 
International Driving Licences and Permits
You can legally drive in New Zealand for up to 12 months if you have either a current driver's licence from your home country, or an International Driving Permit (IDP). ALL drivers, including overseas visitors, must carry their licence or permit when driving. You will only be able to drive the same types of vehicles you are licensed to drive in your home country. The common legal age to rent a car in New Zealand is 25 years. Make sure your overseas driver's licence is current. If your licence is not in English, you should bring an English translation with you or obtain an International Driving Permit. Contact your local automobile club for further details about obtaining a translation or an IDP.

Internet & phone coverage
Staying connected in New Zealand is easy with a little forward planning: www.newzealand.com/int/feature/internet-and-wifi-access-in-new-zealand 
 
Invitation Letters 
Invitation letters are NOT required by Immigration New Zealand for visa applications. Visit the Immigration New Zealand website for visa information: https://www.immigration.govt.nz/
To assist in obtaining any necessary visas that you may require, it is essential that you complete the online registration via this conference website ensuring to include a valid email address and credit card details. The Conference Managers will process your registration and send you a confirmation invoice confirming receipt of your payment and attendance at the conference. You will then be able to present this invoice to your Embassy/High Commission to assist with the application of your visa. In the event that your application is unsuccessful, a full refund will be provided, subject to the conference cancellation policy.
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Industry Exhibition
A wide and varied Exhibition will be co-ordinated by the Conference Managers. Expressions of interest in participating in the Exhibition or Sponsoring the Conference are welcomed by the Conference Managers. If you are interested in participating as a sponsor or exhibitor, please contact Donna Clapham, Workz4U, on +64 9 917 3653 or donna@w4u.co.nz

Insurance
Delegates are advised to book comprehensive travel and medical insurance and ensure that all possessions are adequately insured. The policy should include loss of fees/deposits through cancellation of your participation in the conference. The Conference Managers will not accept any responsibility for delegates failing to arrange insurance.

Liability Disclaimer
The Organising Committee, including the Conference Managers, will not accept liability for damages of any nature sustained by participants or their accompanying persons or loss or damage to their personal property as a result of the meeting or related events. In the event of industrial disruption or other unforeseen circumstances, the Conference Managers accept no responsibility for loss of monies.

Name Badges
All delegates will be given a name badge upon registration. This name badge is your official pass to all sessions, catering areas, the exhibition hall and any social functions. It is necessary for delegates to wear their name badge at all time when on-site.

No Smoking Policy
Smoking is banned in public buildings and many hotels and restaurants in New Zealand, including the conference venue.

Qualmark
Whether you are looking for places to stay, things to do or ways to get around, Qualmark – New Zealand tourism’s official quality assurance organisation – provides a trusted guide to quality travel experiences. When you see the Qualmark, it means that those businesses have been independently assessed against a set of national quality standards. Find out more about Qualmark:  www.qualmark.co.nz
 
Taxes
New Zealand applies a tax to the purchase of both goods and services called the Goods and Services Tax (GST). This tax is usually included in the price, and if not, is clearly stated. The rate of tax that applies to taxable products and services is 15%. GST cannot be claimed back when leaving New Zealand. Tax is already included in the advertised conference prices.

Time Zone
New Zealand is one of the first places in the world to see the new day, 12 hours ahead of GMT (Greenwich Mean Time).
www.newzealand.com/int/feature/new-zealand-time-zones  
  
Tipping and Service Charges
New Zealanders do not expect tips for normal service - even in restaurants and bars. However, tipping for extra special service or kindness is at the discretion of the visitor. Hotels and restaurants in New Zealand do not add service charges to their bills.

Vaccinations
No vaccinations are required to enter New Zealand.

Visas, Passports & Electronic Travel Authority (ETA)
We enjoy welcoming visitors to New Zealand. To ensure you have an experience to remember, make sure you’ve done your homework and have everything sorted before you leave. When you arrive, your passport must be valid for at least three months beyond your intended departure date, and if required, have a valid New Zealand visa. If you come from a country that needs a New Zealand visa to enter, please be sure to apply in advance.
 
Visitors from visa-waiver countries must request an Electronic Travel Authority (ETA) prior to coming to New Zealand. You may also have to pay an International Visitor Conservation and Tourism Levy (IVL). For more information on the ETA and IVL, visit Immigration New Zealand.

If you have a biometric ordinary passport (or electronic passport) and are over 12 years old, you may be able to use New Zealand Customs eGate service. This allows you to complete your Customs and Immigration checks faster so you can get on with enjoying your visit to New Zealand.    
 
You do not need a visa to visit New Zealand if you are:

• A New Zealand or Australian citizen or resident, or
• A UK citizen and/or passport holder (you can stay up to six months), or
• A citizen of a country which has a visa waiver agreement with New Zealand (you can stay up to three months)

​“Due to the strict visa requirements for the countries listed below please allow plenty of time to apply for your visa application:
Benin, Burkina Faso, Cape Verde, Côte d'Ivoire, Gambia, Ghana, Guinea, Guinea-Bissau, Liberia, Mali, Niger, Nigeria, Senegal, Sierra Leone, Togo, Cameroon, Kenya, Somalia, Iran, Pakistan, Algeria, Libya, Egypt.  
If you are unable to obtain a visa a refund of registration will be arranged.
 
WiFi
All Cordis Hotel guests can enjoy free WiFi with no data cap or time limit for the duration of the conference.

If you have any questions at all, please do not hesitate to contact our Conference Managers conferences@w4u.co.nz​​