Safety and security
Wellington is a safe place to live, and Victoria University of Wellington has safe campuses—but you still need to take precautions.
In an emergency
- Dial 111 and wait for it to connect—don’t hang up the phone.
- The operator will ask you what service you need: fire, ambulance or police.
- They’ll connect you to that service.
- Tell the service where you are first. This is the most important piece of information. Then give them your name and the type of emergency.
After help has arrived, you should also contact the International Student Experience Team on their emergency contact number: +64 27 600 6864.
For non-emergencies
The Wellington Central Police Station is on the corner of Victoria and Harris Streets, next to the Wellington Central Library. It’s open 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
You can also reach police services for non-emergencies by calling 105.
The NZ Police website has useful information in multiple languages.
On-campus security
If something is stolen or you don’t feel safe on campus, contact campus security.
Call:
- campus security on 0800 842 8888
- extension 5398 (or 8888) for emergencies if you’re calling from a campus landline.
General security tips
Every year many students have to replace their passport after it’s lost or stolen. We recommend you get an Kiwi Access Card to prove your age and identity—and keep your passport locked away somewhere safe.
Personal belongings
- Keep any valuables hidden from view.
- If your cell phone is stolen, ask the provider to block the SIM card immediately, then contact the police and make a police report.
- Don’t leave your belongings unattended—there are lockers on campus you can hire for a small fee.
- Insure your car—it’s not covered by your health and travel insurance.
Contact details
- If you’re going to be away from home, make sure a flatmate, friend or International Office staff member can contact you if there’s an emergency.
- Always keep your contact details up to date using Tools for students.
Personal security
- Avoid walking around alone at night—stay with a group.
- Don’t get in a car if you think the driver is unsafe, drunk, or has been using drugs.
Money matters
- Open a bank account as soon as possible—don’t keep large sums of money in your room or carry them around with you.
- Don’t walk away from an ATM with your cash visible.
- Never keep your PIN number with your EFTPOS (debit) card.
- If your credit or EFTPOS (debit) card is stolen, tell your bank immediately.
- Don’t borrow or lend large amounts of money.
Carry your student ID with you while on campus—you’ll need it to access some rooms.