Cyclone season likely to affect Kiwi holidaymakers

Cyclone season likely to affect more Kiwi holidaymakers this summer

An increased risk of tropical cyclones in the Pacific this summer season has implications for New Zealand travellers, according to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs & Trade.

According to NIWA, the Southwest Pacific will experience an above average number of tropical cyclones during the 2015–16 season, including at least six severe tropical cyclones.

MFAT Consular divisional manager Lyndal Walker says it’s important for Kiwis travelling in the Pacific to register their details on SafeTravel so that they can be contacted if an impending cyclone has the potential to cause major damage and disruption.

“If we have your details, we can alert you to a significant cyclone. And after the cyclone has passed, if you’re registered then we can check on your welfare.

“Given the increased risk this season, it makes sense to put registering your travel on your packing list – alongside purchasing travel insurance and checking the latest travel advice atwww.safetravel.govt.nz.

“When Tropical Cyclone Pam hit Vanuatu in March, it was very difficult to locate holidaying New Zealanders who weren’t registered with us. This meant family members back home became very concerned for their welfare.

“When the cyclone hit, we had 138 New Zealanders registered with SafeTravel as being in Vanuatu. After the cyclone had passed, we confirmed the well-being of 111 New Zealanders plus helped 81 to depart.”

Kiwis can find the latest travel advice and register their travel at www.safetravel.govt.nz

The Pacific cyclone season runs from November to April.

ENDS

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