COUNTRY CLEARANCE FOR NOAA DR. PHILLIP CLAPHAM TO AUCKLAND,

UNCLAS AUCKLAND 000003

SIPDIS

E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: PREL TPHY KSCA EFIS OTRA NZ
SUBJECT: COUNTRY CLEARANCE FOR NOAA DR. PHILLIP CLAPHAM TO AUCKLAND,
NEW ZEALAND

REF: USDOC 00394


1. AMCONGEN Auckland welcomes Dr. Phillip Clapham to Auckland,
07-22 February 2006. The purpose of the visit is to participate
in sessions of the South Pacific Whale Research Consortium
annual meeting 07-12 February, followed by personal travel 13-22
February.


2. Post understands no assistance is required.


3. Point of contact at Consulate General Auckland is Consul
General, Siria Lopez. Contact details are as follows:
Office Tel: 64-9-303 2724 ext.2950
Cell Tel: 027-434 3140
Fax: 64-9-366 0870
E-mail: LopezSR@state.gov


4. Visitors should use local taxi service, which is generally
safe, reliable and frequent. Taxi fare from the airport to
downtown Auckland hotels is approximately NZD60-65. A
commercial shuttle service is also offered at the airport.


5. Travelers can exchange currency at the airport upon arrival
and ATM machines are readily available throughoutNew Zealand.


6. 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$135). Biosecurity is a serious issue in New
Zealand and fines will be administered immediately and without
warnings.


7. Security Information:
a. The U.S. Mission in New Zealand currently rates the threat
from transnational and indigenous terrorism as low. There are
no 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 are usually small and are peacefully conducted.
During these demonstrations, the host country police and
protective services normally provide adequate protection to the
Embassy and Consulate.

c. New Zealand is considered a medium threat crime environment.
As such, Wellington and Auckland have experienced an increase
in violent and petty crimes, and it is usually
non-confrontational in nature. However, home invasion,
robberies and assaults, once very rare, are becoming more
frequent. Burglaries and thefts occur countrywide but primarily
in the large cities of Auckland and Wellington, and visitors
should be aware that street crime, such as scams and pickpockets
is a daily occurrence in these cities. 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; however, at night visitors should use common
sense precautions so as to not become a target of opportunity.

LOPEZ