A guide to foreign students

The increasing number of offences against international students has prompted the Counties Manukau District Police to publish a pamphlet that sets out a series of Dos and Don’ts for their safety and security.

Auckland City District Police has already in place strategies and programmes to assist international students studying in Auckland City.

Asian Liaison Officer Jessica Phuang has been organising seminars and meetings with community leaders of Chinese, Indian, Japanese and Korean ethnicity to educate students on safety issues.

The Counties Manukau initiative emerged with the support of the Manukau Indian Association and the Sikh Council of New Zealand who met the cost of printing a six-page flyer in English.

Counties Manukau Police South East Asian Liaison Officer Constable Gurpreet Singh Arora said there were misconceptions among international students and New Zealanders about each other.

“A majority of students arriving in New Zealand to pursue their higher studies believe that this country is crime-free. While New Zealand is a much safer country than most others, they should be aware that a number of offences do take place and that they could be victims. The flyer would be a good informative tool,” he said.

He said on the other hand, many New Zealanders believe that international students come from rich families and are loaded with cash.

“This could be a major cause for crime against international students, many of who do not report to the police. Apart from falling a prey to bag snatchers, thieves and other criminals, they are victimised by people posing as immigration consultants. They should be aware that there are systems in place on immigration matters,” he said.

The pamphlet is well timed since the number of international students is set to rise in Manukau City with the establishment of a campus by AUT University.

The pamphlet advises students “not to trust everyone and anyone” but only those they know well and those assigned by the institution in which they are enrolled.

“Do not keep large sums of cash on your person and avoid giving money and valuable to a third person for safe-keeping or any other transactions,” it says.

The pamphlet also has visuals of ATM machines and the precautions to be taken while conducting transactions.

“When deciding on accommodation, check out all information about the property including its occupants if any and sign agreements only after going through them thoroughly. Maintain a list of all possessions including mobile phones, laptops, jewellery and important documents.

“It is a crime to keep or purchase stolen goods,” it advises.

It also advises on matters relating to gambling, medical services and cultural issues.

For more information, call Gurpreet Singh Arora on (09) 2632776 or 021-1394711.