Travel restrictions for people coming to New Zealand from mainland China and Iran have been extended until 17 March in response to the COVID-19 coronavirus.
The exception continues to be New Zealand citizens or permanent residents. However they will be required to complete a self-isolation and support registration form at the border, and must self-isolate for 14 days from the date of their departure from China or Iran.
In addition, people arriving from northern Italy and South Korea will be required to isolate themselves for 14 days and to register with Healthline. People arriving from or via Hong Kong, Japan, Singapore and Thailand who develop symptoms of fever, cough or shortness of breath are advised to phone their GP or Healthline on 0800 358 5453.
Enrolment for affected students
Students affected by the travel restrictions can find more information here.
The University will provide a refund of fees for anyone impacted by the travel restrictions and not able to complete their enrolment up to 31 March. If they are studying online, fees continue to apply.
If you have already paid your fees and plan to defer to start in another trimester, your fees will remain in your student account until you enrol in your courses.
If you are an international student already in New Zealand and not affected by the travel restrictions, the date for fee payment remains unchanged.
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 has detailed information about self-isolation. The key protective message is good hygiene such as washing your hands and covering your mouth or nose when sneezing or coughing.
It is normal to feel stressed or lonely when self-isolating. For support with anxiety or mental wellbeing, you can call or text 1737 free at any time and talk to a trained counsellor.
If you are a student and are concerned about your health, ring Student Health on (04) 463 5308. Staff with health concerns are advised to phone their GP practice for advice. Inquiries can also be made to the Ministry of Health’s dedicated 0800 number for coronavirus-related health inquiries – 0800 358 5453.
We have rolled out a campaign to emphasise basic hygiene, with digital screens, social media posts and posters in all the bathrooms on campus. Supplies of hand sanitiser and wipes have been distributed across all three campuses. We are putting hand sanitisers outside all lecture theatres in time for the start of Trimester 1, and cleaners will be doing thorough cleans on a higher rotation than is usual.
To protect your health:
- Stay home if you are unwell and phone Student Health, your GP or Healthline
- Follow best practices with hand washing and personal hygiene
- Cover your mouth and nose when you cough or sneeze
- Throw used tissues in a lined bin
To help reduce congestion in student administration areas, the University is encouraging students who want to add or drop a course to do so online rather than in person at their Faculty office. You can find the information here.
Recording lectures
Most lectures and seminars are being recorded during Trimester 1 to assist students affected by the travel restrictions. These will include both lecture or seminar content and any class discussion. The recording will be made available on Blackboard to students enrolled in the course. Your lecturer will let you know if your lecture is not being recorded.
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. Our Student Health (Mauri Ora) team is leading the health response, working alongside other areas of the University to ensure full information and pastoral care is provided to students and 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.
The impact of COVID-19 in different countries is changing rapidly so anyone planning travel should be aware of the latest information.
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