Accommodation

A block of rooms has been reserved at the SkyCity Hotel. For details, please visit the Accommodation page.

  Accompanying Persons' Program

As in previous years, tourist information on tours, visits, excursions and activities will be available during the whole week near the registration desk. Accompanying Persons are therefore encouraged to make use of this information, and to plan their own schedule. The SkyCity Hotel is located in the city center.

Accompanying persons are welcome to attend the Receptions on the Tuesday and Thursday evenings, and are also welcome to participate in the visit on the Thursday.

We kindly ask you to let us know (on your registration form) whether your Accompanying Person will attend the Receptions and the visit.

  Arrival in Auckland

A taxi from Auckland International Airport to the SkyCity Convention Centre and SkyCity Hotel costs about NZD 70. Both Corporate Cabs and Co-op Taxis offer an airport “meet and greet” service:

• Corporate Cabs can be contacted by e-mail and bookings can also be made online here.
• Co-op Taxis can be contacted by e-mail and bookings can also be made online here.

Super Shuttle offers a shared ride option. The approximate cost for the trip from the airport to the city is NZD 35 for one person and an additional NZD 8 for each extra person. The shuttles operate from the Shuttle rank at the airport (not the taxi rank).  Bookings can be made on the Super Shuttle website here.

  Climate

November is late Spring in New Zealand when Auckland has an average daytime temperature of 19 °C dropping to 13 °C overnight. As Auckland has a maritime climate, it is recommended that you bring an umbrella and a light jacket or sweater. If you are travelling further south before or after the meeting, temperatures are cooler so please pack accordingly. For weather information visit: www.metservice.co.nz/.

  Currency, Banking, Credit cards

The New Zealand dollar (NZD) is the official currency. For a currency conversion guideline, click here

Banks offering currency exchange facilities are located close to the meeting venue. Banking hours are generally 9.00am until 4.30pm, Monday to Friday. The bank at Auckland International Airport is open extended hours for all arriving and departing flights.

All major credit cards are accepted and Automatic Teller Machines (ATMs) are readily available throughout New Zealand.

  Electricity

The standard supply voltage in New Zealand is 230/240 V AC, 50 Hz. New Zealand uses a flat, angled two or three-point power plug to connect to the power supply - see photo. Most hotels and motels also provide 100 V AC sockets (rated at 20 W) for electric razors only.

   Insurance

It is strongly recommended that you purchase comprehensive travel insurance to cover the duration of your visit to New Zealand and to protect you against cancellation charges, loss or damage to your luggage and personal effects, loss of cash and medical expenses.

   Internet access and computers

There will be free wifi internet access in the SkyCity Hotel lobby, in all guest rooms, and in the meeting room. Two PCs with internet access will be available in the meeting room for the duration of the CIML Meeting.

   Languages

English is the common language of New Zealand. Maori, an official language of growing importance, is spoken mainly in the Maori community.

The CIML meeting will be conducted in English and it is planned that simultaneous interpretation into and from French will be provided.

   Lunch and refreshment breaks

Lunch and refreshments will be served on the days indicated on the Schedule.

  Meeting documents

Delegates should please note that (as usual) no paper documents will be available for the CIML meeting; all the CIML meeting documents will be made available for download via the CIML meeting Agenda page.

  Mobile phones

New Zealand has both analogue and GSM digital networks. Check with your phone company before leaving home about international mobile roaming facilities available in New Zealand. There are three major networks providing this service - Telecom, Vodafone and 2Degrees, with good national coverage. Due to the local topography there may be some network failures in mountain or beach areas. SIM cards can be purchased at Auckland Airport.

  Population

New Zealand’s multicultural population of about 4.4 million is predominantly New Zealand-European. 16 % of the people are indigenous Maori, while Pacific Island and Asian ethnic groups make up 4 % each.

  Receptions

There will be two Receptions:

• an OIML Reception on the Tuesday evening, and
• a Host Country reception on the Thursday evening.

Dress code is business casual for both receptions; more information will be given during the week of the meetings.

  Special requirements

Every effort will be made to ensure that any special needs delegates have are taken into account.

  Taxes

Goods and services sold in New Zealand are subject to a 15 % Goods and Services Tax (GST). Retail suppliers are required to show the GST inclusive price on goods and services, and must clearly state if the tax is not included in the advertised price. GST cannot be claimed back on purchases when leaving New Zealand. However, depending on the retailer, some goods can be purchased on a GST exclusive basis at the point of purchase, where it can be demonstrated that the items are leaving the country. The retailer is required to courier the items to the airport for you to collect on departure.

   Time zone

The standard time zone in New Zealand is GMT/UTC +13 hours - New Zealand is therefore one of the first places in the world to see the new day. Local time, and various other information concerning Auckland (and indeed all other cities in the world) can be found at the World Time and Date web site.

  Tipping

Tipping is not expected and is only offered for good service.