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Arrest and detention

If you are travelling or living in a foreign country you must comply with its laws and regulations. The New Zealand Government and its officials cannot intervene in the justice system and law courts of other countries. Being a New Zealand citizen does not lead to any special treatment.

Basic laws may differ from New Zealand. Penalties may be much harsher in some countries than for similar offences committed in New Zealand, and prison conditions may be much worse. New Zealand does not have any prisoner exchange agreements and cannot accept the transfer of New Zealanders from overseas prisons.

What can you do if arrested?

if you need help to find a lawyer, contact family or ask the authorities to contact the nearest New Zealand consular office (you have the right under international law to this, but it is up to you to claim it). You may also need to arrange for family to transfer funds to you
do not sign any statement or document without seeking legal advice, especially if it is in a language you do not understand.

If you are arrested, a New Zealand consular officer can:

provide a list of local English-speaking lawyers for you to select a legal representative and/or provide information about local legal aid
inform next-of-kin or other relatives/friends of your arrest and seek any financial assistance from them, if requested by you
arrange for the transfer of funds from family or friends for payment of bail or other legal expenses
depending on the location of the court, attend a final court hearing as an observer.

What can you do if imprisoned?

become familiar with the prison rules and regulations and try to adapt to the conditions as quickly as possible
consider taking up any educational or work opportunities that might be available
consider taking up any prison counselling services that may be offered.

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If you are imprisoned, a New Zealand consular officer can:

advise family of the prison contact details and how they may communicate with you, if you request this
help ensure funds sent by family or friends are banked or deposited with prison authorities
if required, seek approval for prison visits by family or friends
make periodic visits in countries where prison conditions are substantially different from New Zealand conditions, depending on the location of the prison
bring any medical or dental problems you may have to the attention of the prison authorities
take up any justified complaint you may have about any ill treatment or discrimination with the prison authorities and advise your lawyer of these.

New Zealand consular officials cannot:

select a lawyer
provide legal advice
get you released from detention or imprisonment
intervene in the judicial process of another country
pay legal fees, fines or bail
be a guarantor for bail or parole
investigate an offence
have you transferred to a prison in New Zealand.