New Zealand Consulate-General Los Angeles
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News and Updates:

 

                                                                                                                                     

 

Christmas/New Year 

 

The New Zealand Consulate-General Los Angeles will be closed for the holiday season from December 23, 2011 to January 2, 2012. We will be open again on January 3, 2012. For New Zealand citizens requiring emergency consular assistance during this time please call our direct line on (310) 566 6555 and select option 6 or call the Consulate Duty Officer on (310) 487 3239. Please note that we do not provide any after hour visa service during this time.

UPDATE - NZ General Election and Referendum Saturday 26 November 2011

Overseas voting in the United States begins 9 November and closes at 23 November (US time). Voting times from 9 November until 22 November are 9.00am - 4.00pm (Monday - Friday). Note: due to Thanksgiving, the Los Angeles Post will close for in person voting Wednesday 23 November at 2.00pm, but voters can lodge by fax to Wellington directly up to 25 November.

As with the 2008 election, New Zealand voters overseas will be able to download their voting papers from the elections website (www.elections.org.nz) from 9 November. Voting papers can be returned via fax to the Electoral Commission (+64 4 494 2300), via post/courier to the Electoral Commission or via post/courier/or in person at the Los Angeles, Washington & New York Posts. Voting papers cannot be returned by email. If you are on the unpublished electoral roll you will be unable to download your voting papers from the website. For more information please ring +64 9 909 3485.

If you are in New Zealand from Wednesday 9 November you can cast an advance vote at any voting place. Details are available from the elections website.

NZ General Election and Referendum Saturday 26 November 2011

The 2011 General Election and Referendum on the Voting System in New Zealand will be held on Saturday 26 November 2011. Eligible New Zealanders overseas can vote in the lead up to Election Day. To vote you must be enrolled.

Who Can Enrol and Vote

To be eligible to vote you must be:

  • a New Zealand citizen and have visited New Zealand within the last three years, or
  • a permanent resident of New Zealand and have visited New Zealand in the last 12 months.

How to Enrol

How to Vote

You can vote overseas from Wednesday 9 November 2011. To vote from overseas you can:

  • Download voting papers. If you are overseas and are on the published electoral roll you will be able to download your voting papers. This is the quickest and easiest way to obtain your ballot paper. The voting paper will be available for download from www.elections.org.nz from Wednesday 9 November.
  • Apply for a postal vote. You can apply to have voting papers posted to you. These are normally sent from New Zealand approximately three weeks before election day.
  • Vote in person. You will be able to vote in person at your closest overseas post. Check the Elections New Zealand website for details.

How to Return Your Voting Papers

  • You can fax them back to the Electoral Commission +64 4 494 2300, or
  • post them to the Electoral Commission, PO Box 322, Wellington 6140, New Zealand, or
  • deliver them to an overseas post no later than 4pm local time on Friday 25 November. Please note that Middle East posts will close on Thursday 24 November. See the Elections New Zealand website for the full list of posts. Some posts may close earlier therefore please check the post’s closing time.

Voting papers will need to be received by the Electoral Commission in New Zealand by 7pm on Saturday 26 November (New Zealand time).

Referendum on the Voting System

More information about the Referendum on the Voting System is available online at the New Zealand Electoral Commission Referendum website.

A magnitude 6.3 earthquake occurred 10km south-east of Christchurch at 12.51pm on 22 February (NZ time). Christchurch City has been declared a state of emergency.

Updates on the earthquake are available on www.civildefence.govt.nz and www.canterburyearthquake.org.nz.

Statements from New Zealand Prime Minister John Key and other Ministers are available on www.beehive.govt.nz.

People planning to visit New Zealand should check www.tourismnewzealand.com. Domestic and international flights are operating at Christchurch Airport. Passengers are asked to check with their airlines to confirm revised schedules and check-in times.

New Zealanders in the United States who are concerned about the wellbeing of friends and relatives in Christchurch should call the Red Cross Person Enquiry Line in New Zealand: +64 7 850 2199. 

American nationals concerned for American family and friends in New Zealand should contact the US Department of State for consular advice: +1 888 407 4747.

On 27 February, Prime Minister Key launched the Christchurch Earthquake Appeal, a global fundraiser for the recovery effort in the city and the Canterbury region. Donations can be made at www.christchurchearthquakeappeal.govt.nz. Donation and tax receipts will automatically emailed to donors. 

Canterbury Earthquake : Condolence Book

In support of those affected by the Canterbury earthquake a condolence book will be open at the New Zealand Consulate-General, Santa Monica, from Monday 28 February until Friday 12 March.

The book will be located in the Public Reception and available for signing between 0900 and 1700 hours on weekdays.

New Passport Forms from 1 October 2010

 

The New Zealand Department of Internal Affairs will introduce new passport forms from 1 October 2010. The new forms will simplify the application process for most applicants and replace the three versions of the existing passport form. The Department will continue to accept both old and new forms until further notice.  


For more information on applying for a New Zealand passport or Emergency Travel Document (ETD) while overseas please visit www.passports.govt.nz

United States : ESTA - Electronic System for Travel Authorisation

Nationals of all Visa Waiver Programme (VWP) countries require ESTA authorisation prior to travelling to the United States under VWP.

From 8 September 2010 travellers from VWP counties, including New Zealand, are required to pay an operational and travel promotion fee when applying for ESTA. The total cost for a new or renewed ESTA will be US$14 .

To access more information and to link to the ESTA application click here. 

                                                                                                                                     

e-Passport Information
The ePassport has been introduced to further enhance the security of the New Zealand passport and ensure New Zealand meets the requirements for USA "visa waiver" border entry from 26 October 2006.

For frequently asked questions on e-passports please click here 
                                                                                                                                                                     


Latest Travel Advice for New Zealanders 

Remember to visit www.safetravel.govt.nz (external link) for the latest updates.
                                                                                                                                       

 

"Registration of New Zealanders Overseas"

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade has now implemented a new internet-based registration facility. This will enable you to record and update details about yourself, accompanying family members and your overseas residence/travel plans.

 

The Ministry encourages you to now register your details on-line via the link "Registration of New Zealanders Overseas" at the Ministry's safe travel website http://www.safetravel.govt.nz/ or https://www.kiwisoverseas.govt.nz
                                                                                                                                       

 

Emergency Preparedness Information

For information on Emergency Preparedness and links for advice during an emergency or disaster, please see the following. West Coast Emergency Management Agencies (external link).