A travel ban remains in place in New Zealand for anyone coming directly from or transiting through China, in response to the coronavirus (COVID-19).
The exception continues to be New Zealand citizens or permanent residents but they must self-isolate for 14 days on arrival. They are also asked to register with Healthline within 24 hours of arrival. Call 0800 358 5453 to register.
Immigration New Zealand has confirmed that anyone who left China 14 days ago to go to another country will be able to travel on to New Zealand. There are currently no travel restrictions on other countries.
Enrolment for affected students
Trimester 1 begins on 2 March and we know that many students from China are concerned about not making it in time because of the travel restrictions. The University will be as flexible as possible around enrolment and start dates for students affected by the travel restrictions.
Many of you have already filled out a form letting us know your study plans and we will use the information to provide you with personalised support and advice, and online options.
If you have any concerns, please email international@vuw.ac.nz.
No financial penalty
There will be no financial penalty for students affected by the travel restrictions who are unable to pay their fees on time. The University will try to accommodate late enrolments into as many programmes as possible. Any students affected by the virus who need to defer their studies will be fully refunded any tuition or accommodation fees they have already paid.
Visa implications
Immigration New Zealand has provided advice for students affected by the recent travel ban here.
Returning students already on a student visa can contact student-visa@vuw.ac.nz for questions about renewing their visa.
Students with additional questions are advised to contact Immigration New Zealand directly.
For specific coronavirus-related immigration queries, contact the Immigration Contact Centre on 0508 225 288 (within New Zealand) or +64 9 952 1679 (outside New Zealand).
Domestic and permanent residents affected by the travel restrictions
We know that some domestic students and students who are permanent residents have been affected by the travel restrictions and may be unable to start on time. The University will be as flexible as possible to make sure you are able to continue with your studies.
Student Health has set up a generic email address for any students who have travelled recently and have any health questions – studenthealth-info@vuw.ac.nz. However if you are unwell, please ring Student Health on (04) 463 5308.
There is also a dedicated Ministry of Health 0800 number for coronavirus-related health inquiries – 0800 358 5453 (or + 64 9 358 5453 from overseas). This number is free to call 24 hours a day and interpreters will be on hand to help with translation.
If you have concerns about your studies or issues other than health, please call the University information line on 0800 04 04 04 or email info@vuw.ac.nz and they will refer your inquiry to the right person.
Health advice
The Ministry of Health has detailed information about self-isolation. The key way to protect yourself is good hygiene: washing your hands frequently and covering the mouth or nose when sneezing or coughing.
You may feel stressed or lonely when self-isolating and that is normal. For support with anxiety or mental wellbeing, you can call or text 1737 free at any time and talk to a trained counsellor.
Staff with health concerns are advised to phone their GP practice for advice, while students with concerns should be advised to ring Student Health on (04) 463 5308. Inquiries can also be made to the Ministry of Health’s dedicated 0800 number for coronavirus-related health inquiries – 0800 358 5453.
To protect your health:
- Follow best practices with hand washing and personal hygiene
- Cover your mouth and nose when you cough or sneeze
- Stay home if you are unwell
- Throw used tissues in a lined bin
University procedures
The University has robust and up-to-date procedures in place to manage events of this type, and our response can be scaled up as necessary. We are working with Wellington University International, our Accommodation Service, and other areas of the University to ensure full information and pastoral care is provided to new and returning students as well as staff on how to manage any flu-like illness in our community.
Travel
The University is following the guidance of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade advice and advising New Zealanders not to travel to China. Any staff planning travel will need permission.
Useful travel information can be found here.
Updates
This is an evolving scenario and updates will be provided on this website and through the University’s social media channels. The Ministry of Health now has a dedicated Facebook page and twitter feed for specific coronavirus alerts.
Useful links
Ministry of Health – updates
Ministry of Health – self-isolation tips
Ministry of Health – Facebook updates
Immigration New Zealand – visa information