Personal Health, Safety, and Security in Wellington New Zealand
Personal Health, Safety, and Security
On this page:
YOUR HEALTH
Sexual health
Mental health
Mental health services
YOUR SAFETY YOUR RIGHTS
Grievance procedures
Code Issues
IDENTIFICATION
USEFUL CONTACTS
LOOKING AFTER YOURSELF: A new life in a different culture can be the opportunity of a lifetime. But along with the excitement and anticipation may come stress, loneliness, anxiety and confusion.
YOUR HEALTH
Maintaining your health is an important part of being a successful student and enjoying your time at Vic. Here are some useful health services:
Sexual Health
If you have a sexual relationship it is important that you use contraception to protect yourself from unwanted pregnancy and sexually transmitted infections (STIs). Please do not feel embarrassed to discuss these issues with a doctor or nurse at Student Health. You can also receive confidential advice and information from the Family Planning Association (FPANZ). They are located at level 6, 35 Victoria St (near the public library), phone 0-4-4991992. The FPANZ website provides useful answers to common questions.
On Campus:
Off Campus:
Student Health Service:
Victoria’s Student Health Service provides a high standard of quality primary care for all students at Victoria University. The Service has well qualified and experienced General Practitioner doctors and practice nurses. Student HealtSh also has a psychiatrist, skin specialist and nutritionist available for specialist consultations, and can assist students in applying for special exams facilities and aegrotat consideration during examinations.
Wellington Hospital:
Wellington ’s public hospital is located on Riddiford Street, Newtown. To make an appointment, phone 0-4-3855999
Wellington Free Ambulance:
In an emergency phone 111; for non-emergencies, phone 04-472 2999
After-hours Care:
If you need medical attention in evenings or weekends, you can receive medical care (including x-rays) at Wellington’s Accident and Urgent Medical Centre , located at 17 Adelaide Road, Phone 0-4-384 4944. This building also contains an After-hours Pharmacy. Phone 0-4-385-8810.
Your Mental Health
- Problem Gambling
Some students gamble in an attempt to ‘win the jackpot’ and increase their annual budget - however, most of the time they LOSE, LOSE, LOSE! Never gamble with the money you have brought to New Zealand to pay for your study or living.
When people cannot control their urge to gamble, it is called “Problem” or “Compulsive” Gambling. The Problem Gambling Foundation of New Zealand offer professional psychologists and social workers to help people with gambling issues. They are located on Level 3, Community House, 84 Willis St, phone 0800 664262. The Gambling Helpline, phone 0800 654 655, also offer free information, support and resources for compulsive gamblers.
- Drug and Alcohol Abuse
Drug and alcohol abuse can jeopardise your health and your future. Possession of drugs carries penalties that include large fines and imprisonment. Your student visa will be revoked if you are arrested for using illegal drugs, and it may be difficult for you to travel overseas again. Please seek help from one of the counselling services listed below if you have a drug or alcohol problem. You can also obtain useful information about drugs and alcohol from The New Zealand Drug Foundation and from the Alcohol Advisory Council of New Zealand.
Mental Health Services
Studying as an international student can be very stressful. Don’t suffer alone – there are many people who can help you.
On Campus:
Off Campus:
Counselling Service
The Counselling Service offers free, confidential support to assist you with issues affecting your sense of well being, relationships or learning. One counsellor is specially trained to help international students. Phone 0-4-463 5310 to make an appointment.
Victoria International Student Advisor
You can talk to a Victoria International student advisor for immediate personal advice. Drop in to Level 2, Rutherford House, Pipitea Campus (Monday to Friday between 10am to 4pm), email vi-advisers@vuw.ac.nz or phone 0-4-463 5350 to make an appointment.
Lifeline
Lifeline is a confidential and anonymous phone-counselling service. You can discuss personal problems with a professional Lifeline counsellor 24 hours a day on their toll-free number: 0800 111 777.
The Samaritans
The Samaritans also offer a 24-hour anonymous listening service on their Wellington phone line: 0-4-473 9739. You can also visit them for confidential face-to-face counselling at their address on the corner of Hill and Molesworth St, Thorndon, Wellington.
YOUR SAFETY:
New Zealand and Wellington are safe places to live, and Victoria University has safe campuses. However, it is important not to take this for granted. Always use your common sense, and if you feel unsafe doing something or going somewhere, DON’T do it!
for FIRE, AMBULANCE and POLICE (this number also works from a cellphone):
In an emergency dial 111
dial the number and wait for a few seconds
DO NOT HANG UP THE PHONE
the Operator will ask you what service you need: Fire, Ambulance or Police
they will then connect you to that service
give your name, the type of emergency and the address or place to send help
Only use the 111 emergency number when a crime is actually being committed or if life is at risk. See the front of your phone book for other emergency service numbers.
The Central Police Station is on the corner of Victoria and Harris Streets, next to the Wellington Central Library, and is open 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
For a non-emergency police issue in Wellington, phone 0-4-472 3000 .
If you experience any problems with theft or personal safety on campus, contact the Security Office, located in the Cotton Building,
phone 0-4-463 6633 . If it is an emergency, phone 0-4-463 8888.
For more information, visit www.vuw.ac.nz/fm/services/campus-care.aspx
Some common-sense rules to follow:
If you are going to be away from your Wellington home for a period of time, make sure a flatmate, friend or Victoria International staff member can contact you in case of an emergency
Always keep your email address, telephone number, address and emergency contact information current in your ‘Student Records’ computer database
Avoid walking around alone at night and stay with a group. Campus Angels is a walk-home service for students living close to the Kelburn Campus. It is run from the University’s Central Library. For more details contact VUWSA in the Student Union Building
Don’t keep large sums of money in your room or flat, or carry them around
Open a bank account as soon as possible
Always lock or secure your room, flat or house
Don’t leave your belongings unattended – use university lockers if necessary
If you must carry valuables, keep them hidden from view
Protect your cellphone. Keep the original receipt of purchase in a safe place. If your cellphone is stolen ask the provider to bar the SIM card immediately. Go to the police station and make a police report
Take care when using cash machines late at night – do not walk away from the machine with your cash visible
Never keep your PIN number with your ATM card (see page 
Regularly save and backup your work on your computer and keep the backup separate, so you don’t lose vital work if your computer is broken or stolen
If your credit or ATM card is stolen, inform the card provider immediately
Insure your car – your car is not covered by your health and travel insurance, you must purchase additional insurance. See the MotorSafe Insurance policy or contact other insurance companies for quotes
Don’t accept rides from strangers
Don’t travel in any vehicle if you think the driver is an unsafe driver, has consumed alcohol or has been using drugs
Don’t borrow or lend large amounts of money
YOUR RIGHTS
New Zealand is a modern, democratic country with many laws and statutes to protect your rights both on and off campus.
On Campus:
Off Campus:
VUWSA
The Victoria University of Wellington Students’ Association (VUWSA) is the representative body for all students. The VUWSA Education Office provides advocacy and support to ensure that students are treated fairly. Contact Education Coordinators Nicki Wilford (ph: 463 6983) or Sandra Crews (ph: 463 6984).
PGSA
The Executive of the Postgraduate Students’ Association (PGSA) look after the interests of all postgraduates at Victoria and are able to assist postgraduates with any queries, problems, or grievances.
Your National Embassy
Embassies throughout the world have a responsibility to help their citizens in foreign countries. Click Here for a list of foreign Embassies, Consulates and High Commissions in Wellington or ask at Victoria International.
Citizen’s Advice Bureau
The Citizen’s Advice Bureau offers free, confidential advice and information on matters such as the law, translation services, social welfare, health, housing, employment and consumer rights. You can call in to their offices in the ground floor of the Central Library, 65 Victoria Street, phone 04-472 2466 (Central City) or 0800 367 222.
Consumers’ Institute
Consumers’ Institute is an independent, non-profit organisation that carries out tests and surveys of consumer goods and services to ensure that New Zealand customers are treated fairly.
GRIEVANCE PROCEDURES
Victoria University of Wellington seeks to provide a learning environment that will help students achieve their full potential. Here are some steps you can take if you feel that you have not been treated fairly by a Victoria Staff member of by a fellow student:
ACADEMIC OR PERSONAL GRIEVANCES
If you have a grievance or problem with a University staff member or a fellow student, follow the below proceedure:
1: Try to directly approach the person first (you can bring a support person).
2: If that doesn’t work, seek help and advice from:
Victoria International
VUWSA Education Co-ordinator
Your Head of School, Dean or Course Co-ordinator
Facilitation and Disputes Advisory Service
3: If you are still dissatisfied you can go to
The Academic Grievances Board
IEAA (International Education Appeal Authority)
See the Victoria University Academic Grievances Policy for more information on academic grievances. If you have a grievance with another student. See the Statute on Student Conduct for more information. This Statute also summarises what is considered unacceptable behaviour for members of the University.
Code of Practice for the Pastoral Care of International Students
Students or parents of students who feel that an area of the Code of Practice has been breached should document the breach of the Code in writing to the Director of Victoria International. The Director will take all steps to ensure that the grievance is settled. In the case where a favourable result is not reached the Director will refer the case to the International Education Appeal Authority (IEAA). Victoria University of Wellington agrees to be bound by the IEAA procedures and will offer any information and cooperate with the board while they are investigating a complaint.
All students have the right to information about progress and decisions regarding their complaint as well as translation services if necessary to ensure adequate comprehension.
IDENTIFICATION
Carry your Student ID with you while on campus, as it is required for access to some rooms.
We recommend that you get an 18+ Card, which is valid proof of identity and age. This saves you carrying your passport with you (each year many students have to replace their passport because it is lost or stolen). You can apply for an 18+ Card through a NZ Post Shop or download an application. The cost is $20 and you will need a recent photo and your passport.
USEFUL CONTACTS
The following people can help you if you have a problem with a university staff member or another student:
International Student Advisor, phone 0-4-463-5350
VUWSA Education Co-ordinators:
Nicki Wilford phone 0-4-463 6983
Sandra Crews phone 0-4-463 6984
Facilitator & Disputes Advisor:
Jon Everest phone 0-4-463 5023
www.vuw.ac.nz/disputes-advice
For Sexual Harassment Issues:
Jon Everest phone 0-4-463 5023
Maddy Drew phone 0-4-463-6985
Nick Kelly phone 0-4-463-6986
International Education Appeal Authority (IEAA):
C/- Ministry of Education
Private Bag 47 911
Ponsonby
AUCKLAND
info.ieaa@minedu.govt.nz phone 0-9 374 5481