Travel safely with SafeTravel
Kiwis heading for the Pacific this summer need to be prepared for the chance of a tropical cyclone disrupting their
break.
The Pacific cyclone season runs from 1 November to 30 April and as many as 10 cyclones could occur in the region over
this period.
Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade spokeswoman Lyndal Walker says it is important Kiwis travelling in the Pacific
register their details with SafeTravel.
“If we have your details, we can alert you to a significant cyclone. And if you get caught up in a major event like this
and you’re registered, then we can check on your welfare.”
Ms Walker says MFAT usually contacts registered travellers first to confirm their safety and well-being if a major
incident overseas happens.
“But seeking information about unregistered New Zealanders can prove very time consuming. It can also subject family and
friends to an anxious wait which is why we also urge travellers to ‘phone home’ if they find themselves caught up in a
major event.”
Ms Walker says wherever you’re going overseas it makes sense to put registering your travel on your packing list as well
as checking the latest travel advice at www.safetravel.govt.nz and on SafeTravel Facebook.
“Buying travel insurance should be another common sense action for travellers.
Making changes to disrupted holiday bookings can be complex and extremely costly.”
“Insure against your emergency also becoming a financial emergency for you and your family.”
Last season there were eight cyclones in the Pacific, including Tropical Cyclone Winston which caused significant damage
in Fiji.
The Pacific is also the core focus of New Zealand’s humanitarian and disaster management efforts and we are ready to
respond quickly in support of Pacific governments if a disaster strikes.