How to Report a Crime or Accident in New Zealand
In New Zealand, dial 111 for life-threatening emergencies, crime in progress, or serious accidents with injuries; for all other non-urgent crimes (like theft or vandalism) or incidents that have already occurred, call 105 or use the online reporting service.
Understanding New Zealand's Emergency & Police Response System
New Zealand operates a tiered public safety response system, primarily managed by the New Zealand Police (NZ Police). Knowing which service to contact saves critical time and ensures appropriate resources are dispatched. In the 2022/2023 year, NZ Police received over 1.2 million emergency (111) calls and more than 1.5 million non-emergency contacts.
| Type | Access Level | Typical Cost | Primary Use Case | Typical Response Time |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 111 Emergency | Phone / Mobile | Free Call | Immediate danger, crime in progress, serious injury, fire. | Priority-based; urban targets often under 15 minutes. |
| 105 Non-Emergency | Phone / Online | Free Call | Theft (after the fact), vandalism, lost property, noise complaints. | Report is logged and assigned; follow-up may take days. |
| Online Reporting | Web Portal | Free | Specific categories like minor theft (under $1000), damaged property. | Digital ticket created; email confirmation provided. |
| *555 Road Incidents | Mobile Only | Free | Non-injury crashes, breakdowns, debris on state highways. | Patrols dispatched as available. |
| Local Council | Phone / Email | Varies | By-law issues: parking, dog control, excessive noise (after hours). | Depends on council service level. |
⚠️ Critical Warning: Misuse of 111
Calling 111 for non-emergencies can delay help for someone in a genuine life-threatening situation. Under the Summary Offences Act 1981, knowingly making a false emergency call is an offense and may include substantial fines. Use 105 or online services for non-urgent matters.
Step-by-Step Guide: What to Do in an Emergency (Calling 111)
Step 1: Assess & Call
Is someone seriously injured, in immediate danger, or is a crime happening right now? If YES, immediately dial 111 from any phone. The call is free, even from mobile phones with no credit.
Step 2: Stay Calm & Answer Clearly
You will be asked: "Do you need Police, Fire, or Ambulance?" State the service required. For a serious accident, you may need both Ambulance and Police. Speak clearly, listen to the operator's questions, and do not hang up until told to do so.
Step 3: Provide Exact Location
This is the most critical information. Give the full address, suburb, and nearby landmarks. If you're on a highway, state the road name, direction (northbound/southbound), and the closest kilometer marker or town. Mobile calls don't always give precise location to operators.
Step 4: Follow Instructions
The operator is trained to help. They may give you first-aid advice (e.g., for CPR) or safety instructions (e.g., to stay hidden, or not approach a dangerous person). Follow their guidance until help arrives.
Reporting Non-Emergencies & Contacting Other Agencies
Not every incident requires a 111 response. Using the correct channel for non-urgent matters helps police prioritize resources effectively. For example, reporting a stolen bicycle from your shed yesterday should go through 105, not 111.
| Incident Type | Recommended Agency | Contact Method | What to Expect | Example Case |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Car broken into overnight | NZ Police | Call 105 or Online Report | A report number for insurance; forensic scene examination is unlikely for minor theft. | Your vehicle was parked on the street and someone smashed a window to take a bag. |
| Noise complaint (loud party at 2 AM) | Local Council (Noise Control) | Council's after-hours number | A noise control officer may visit and issue a warning or fine. | A neighbor is having an extremely loud party disturbing the street. |
| Minor car crash, no injuries, cars drivable | NZ Police (if damage >$1000) & Your Insurer | *555 if blocking road; otherwise 105 | You must file a report with police within 60 hours if damage exceeds $1000. Exchange details with the other driver. | A low-speed rear-end collision in a parking lot causing bumper damage. |
| Lost passport or travel document | Your Embassy & NZ Police | Embassy phone & Online Police Report | Get a police report number for embassy replacement procedures. | You realize your passport is missing from your hotel room. |
| Suspicious online scam or fraud | CERT NZ & Netsafe | Online reporting forms | Advice on securing your accounts and potentially disrupting scam operations. | You've been defrauded through a fake online trading platform. |
ℹ️ Key Insight: The 105 Service
Launched in 2019, the 105 phone and online service is designed to free up 111 lines. It handles around 4,000 calls daily. You can use it to: update a previous report, provide additional information, or check the status of a non-urgent report. Always use 105 if the situation is not time-critical.
Special Considerations: Tourists, Language & Vulnerable Persons
For Tourists & International Visitors
New Zealand's emergency services are available to everyone regardless of nationality. If you are a victim of crime, also contact your travel insurance provider immediately and your country's embassy for consular assistance (e.g., emergency travel documents). Keep a copy of your passport and visa separately.
Language & Translation Services
If you do not speak English, when connected to 111 or 105, clearly state the language you need (e.g., "Mandarin Chinese"). The operator will connect you to a professional translation service. This service is free but may add a short delay.
Reporting on Behalf of Others or Anonymously
You can report concerns for another person's welfare via 105. If you wish to report crime anonymously, you can call Crime Stoppers on 0800 555 111. You can also report concerns about family violence or child safety directly to Oranga Tamariki.
Key Information You Must Provide When Reporting
Being prepared with accurate information speeds up the response and investigation. First responders and dispatchers rely on the details you provide to assess the situation's urgency and nature.
| Information Category | For an Accident/Crash | For a Crime/Theft | Why It's Critical |
|---|---|---|---|
| Location | Exact street, intersection, highway marker. | Where it happened (address, business name). | Determines which patrol unit is dispatched. Inaccurate location causes dangerous delays. |
| People Involved | Number injured, apparent severity, ages if known. | Number of offenders, physical descriptions, clothing, direction they fled. | For crimes, helps identify suspects. For accidents, dictates ambulance/medical priority. |
| Vehicles Involved | Make, model, color, registration plate, damage sustained. | Vehicle used by offenders (getaway car), color, model, rego (even partial). | Vehicle details are one of the most effective tools for police to locate people. |
| Time & Context | When it happened (exact time if possible). | When you discovered the crime or when it occurred. | Helps establish timelines for investigation and evidence collection (like CCTV). |
| Your Details | Your full name, contact phone, role (driver, witness). | Your name, phone, relationship to the property/victim. | Police need to contact you for follow-up, statements, or to return recovered property. |
⚠️ Safety First: Do Not Compromise Your Safety
While gathering information is important, never put yourself at risk. Do not confront offenders or enter a dangerous scene to get vehicle details. Your personal safety is the top priority. Observe what you can from a safe distance.
Documents & Evidence to Gather (For Insurance & Investigation)
After ensuring immediate safety, start collecting evidence. This is crucial for both police investigations and insurance claims. Insurance companies typically require a police report number for theft, vandalism, or accident claims.
- Police Report Number: The unique reference number given when you file a report (via 105, online, or in person).
- Photographs & Videos: Take clear photos of the scene, damage, injuries (if appropriate), and any property involved. For a car accident, take shots from multiple angles showing vehicle positions and road conditions.
- Witness Details: If there are witnesses, politely ask for their names and contact numbers. Pass these details to the police.
- Official Receipts & Valuations: For stolen items, have proof of purchase, serial numbers (e.g., for electronics), or recent photos of valuable jewelry. This greatly increases the chance of recovery and simplifies insurance claims.
- Medical Reports: In case of injury, obtain documentation from the treating medical professional, even for minor injuries that appear later.
What to Expect After Filing a Report
The follow-up process depends entirely on the incident's nature, severity, and available evidence.
- Emergency (111) Response: Help will be dispatched. Police, Fire, or Ambulance will arrive on scene to manage the situation. You may be asked to give a formal statement later.
- Non-Emergency (105/Online) Report: You will receive a report number. For lower-priority matters, direct follow-up may not occur unless there are clear investigative leads (e.g., a known suspect, CCTV footage). The report is logged for crime statistics and is valid for insurance purposes.
- Investigation Phase: If an investigation is opened, a case officer may contact you for more details, to view evidence, or to arrange a formal statement. Recovery of stolen property is not guaranteed.
- Court Proceedings: If an offender is identified and charged, you may be required to act as a witness. Victim Support services are available to guide you through this process.
Summary of Contact Channels & Official Links
| Service | Contact Method | When to Use It | Availability | Direct Link |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Emergency Services | Phone: 111 | Immediate danger, life-threatening situations. | 24/7 | - |
| Police Non-Emergency | Phone: 105 or Online | Crime already happened, no immediate threat. | 24/7 | police.govt.nz/105-support |
| Roadside Incidents (*555) | Mobile: *555 | Non-injury crashes, hazards on the road. | 24/7 | - |
| Crime Stoppers (Anonymous) | Phone: 0800 555 111 | To provide information about crime anonymously. | 24/7 | crimestoppers-nz.org |
| Netsafe (Online Safety) | Online/Phone: 0508 NETSAFE | Online harassment, scams, cyberbullying. | Mon-Fri, 8am-8pm | netsafe.org.nz |
ℹ️ Using Online Services
The NZ Police online reporting system is the fastest way to file a report for eligible incidents and get an immediate report number for insurance. You can report: Lost property, Theft (under specific conditions), Damage, and Abandoned vehicles. The system will ask a series of questions to determine eligibility.
Pre-Reporting Preparation Checklist
For Any Incident:
- Ensure you and others are in a safe location.
- Take deep breaths to stay as calm as possible.
- Determine: Is this an emergency (111) or non-emergency (105)?
Before Calling 111 or 105:
- Mentally note the exact address or location.
- Note descriptions: People (height, build, clothing), Vehicles (color, make, rego plate).
- Have your own name and phone number ready.
- If possible, move to a quiet place to make the call.
After the Immediate Situation is Safe:
- Write down everything you remember while it's fresh.
- Take photographs of the scene/damage.
- Collect contact details for any witnesses.
- Locate serial numbers or receipts for stolen items.
- File the necessary report (111, 105, online, or insurer).
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is the emergency number in New Zealand?
A. The universal emergency number for Police, Fire, and Ambulance is 111. Only call 111 when there is an immediate threat to life, property, or an ongoing crime.
What number do I call for non-emergency police matters?
A. Call 105 to report non-urgent crimes or incidents that have already happened, or use the online reporting system on the New Zealand Police website.
What information should I prepare before calling?
A. Be ready to provide: 1) Your exact location, 2) The nature of the emergency, 3) Descriptions of people or vehicles involved, 4) Your own name and contact number.
Can I report a crime online in New Zealand?
A. Yes. For non-emergencies like theft (under $1000 NZD), property damage, or lost property, you can file a report online via the New Zealand Police 'Report a non-emergency' service.
What happens if I make a false report?
A. Making a false report to emergency services (111) is an offense under the New Zealand Summary Offences Act 1981 and may include substantial fines. It diverts critical resources from genuine emergencies.
How do I report a minor car accident?
A. If there are no injuries and vehicles are drivable: 1) Move to a safe place, 2) Exchange details with the other driver (license, insurance), 3) Report the accident to your insurer. You must report it to Police within 60 hours if the damage exceeds $1000 NZD or if someone was injured.
What should tourists do if they are victims of crime?
A. Follow the same reporting procedures: call 111 for emergencies or 105/online for non-emergencies. Also, contact your travel insurance provider and your country's embassy or consulate for further assistance.
Where can I find official road accident reports?
A. Official crash reports (for insurance or legal purposes) can be requested from the New Zealand Transport Agency (NZTA). For immediate incident reporting on state highways, call *555 from a mobile phone.
Official Resources & Links
- New Zealand Police Official Website - Main portal for all police services and information.
- NZ Police Advice & Services - Detailed advice on various crime types and reporting.
- 105 Non-Emergency Reporting Portal - File an online report or get more info on 105.
- NZTA: Report a Road Issue - For hazards, road damage, and non-urgent traffic issues.
- CERT NZ (Cyber Security) - Report and get advice on cyber security incidents.
- Netsafe - Independent agency for online safety, harassment, and scam advice.
- Victim Support NZ - Free, confidential support service for victims of crime and trauma.
Disclaimer
This guide is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Emergency protocols and reporting requirements can change. Always follow the instructions given by official emergency operators (111) or police officers. The penalties for offenses mentioned, such as false reporting under the Summary Offences Act 1981, are determined by the courts and may include substantial fines. For the most current and authoritative information, always refer to the official New Zealand Police website and related government agencies linked above.