US embassy cable - 04WELLINGTON692

UNCLAS WELLINGTON 000692 
 
SIPDIS 
 
EPA/OIA CHRISTICH 
 
E.O. 12958:  N/A 
TAGS: OTRA, SENV, KSCA, TPHY, AS, NZ, Country Clearance 
SUBJECT:  NEW ZEALAND COUNTRY CLEARANCE FOR EPA OFFICIALS 
OSHIDA AND BISSONETTE, AUGUST 31-SEPTEMBER 2, 2004 
 
REF:  STATE 173225 
 
1.  Please see action request para 3. 
 
2.  Embassy welcomes and grants country clearance to EPA 
Officials Phil Oshida and Eric Bissonette to Christchurch, 
New Zealand from August 31 to September 2, 2004.  The 
purpose of this trip is to visit utilities and regulators in 
Christchurch as part of a Hazard Analysis and Critical 
Control Points (HACCP) in drinking water systems tour. 
 
3.  Action Request:  Embassy understands that no further 
assistance is required.  Please advise Embassy of contact 
information for Christchurch.  Reftel provided contact 
number at the Duxton Hotel in Wellington, although 
Wellington was not on the itinerary provided. 
 
4.  Embassy point of contact is Economic officer Joy 
Yamamoto. 
Contact details are as follows: 
Office:  644-462-6182 
Fax:     644-472-3537 
Cell:    027-446-4467 
E-mail:  yamamotojo@state.gov 
 
5.  Visitors should use local taxi service, which is 
generally safe, reliable and frequent.  Taxi fare from the 
airport to downtown Christchurch hotels is approximately 
NZD35. 
 
6. Travelers can exchange currency at the airport upon 
arrival and ATM machines are readily available throughout 
New Zealand. 
 
7.  Biosecurity Fines: 
 
The government of New Zealand instituted fines for non- 
declared biosecurity hazards on travelers entering New 
Zealand with undeclared plant, animal or food material. 
Travelers found carrying these undeclared items will be 
immediately fined NZ$200 (US $150).  Biosecurity is a 
serious issue in New Zealand and fines will be administered 
immediately and without warnings. 
 
8.  Security Assessment: 
 
a.  There are no local terrorist groups or support groups 
believed to be operating in New Zealand at this time.  In 
light of the worldwide security alert all visitors should 
heighten their security awareness and report any unusual 
incidents to the regional security office. 
 
b.  Anonymous telephonic threats and obscure threat mail 
have occasionally targeted U.S. diplomatic missions in New 
Zealand.  In response to U.S. policies and actions, various 
groups in New Zealand have demonstrated occasionally at the 
embassy in Wellington and at the consulate in Auckland. 
These demonstrations were of a small scale and were 
peacefully conducted.  During these demonstrations, the host 
country police and protective services provided adequate 
protection to the embassy and consulate. 
 
c.  While New Zealand is considered a low threat crime 
environment, Wellington and Auckland have experienced an 
increase in violent and petty crimes.  Home invasion 
robberies and assaults, once very rare, are becoming more 
frequent.  Burglaries and thefts occur countrywide. 
Visitors should be aware that street crime is a daily 
occurrence in the larger cities, including Wellington and 
Auckland.  Common sense precautions should be taken, 
especially at night, to avoid becoming a target of 
opportunity. 
 
d.  All forms of public transportation are generally safe at 
all times of the day. 
 
Burnett