[Rabbit]

Apparantly it is not a legal requirement to have car insurance in NZ according to the AVIS car rental man.

Must admit I found that really odd - did I misunderstand him?

If someone knocks you over, then I dont think you are able to sue, but can claim the ACC.

When we were looking at property, we were out in Whitby, and a few yobs came buy, cruising in their cars, and giving a public concert via their getto blasters, I thought that was sad.

Noticed also whilst out driving, the youth can be agressive speed deamons.

Noticed broken glass in the car park, a tell-tale sign of a break-in.

Just like the UK I suppose?

One thing that was nice, was whilst on a local train, I noticed a poster asking children to give up their seats to adults - I thought that was cute.

[pleccy2000]

That is correct - you are covered 3rd party only by default. I would recommend 'upgrading' to fully com though!

[StevieD]

Rabbit, it seems car crime is rife down there, however, if you follow the advice that is given in UK, not leave things on view etc. and follow sensible precautions, it will be others more foolish than yourself who will be the unfortunate targets - not nice I know, but better you take precautions.

[veronica]

Its something that I and others have been nagging on about and thats that the idealised view of New Zealand as a crime free environment is sooo wrong. where you have people you are going to have crime.

[Diny]

Its something that I and others have been nagging on about and thats that the idealised view of New Zealand as a crime free environment is sooo wrong. where you have people you are going to have crime.


We may not agree on alot of things Veronica but on this subject I agree with you 100%. Like I have mentioned in a different thread, I am concerned by some members preceptions of NZ as a crime free haven.

Diny

[Jason2112]

getto blasters

I had to stop and laugh at that, I haven't heard that term in years :D

[Juniper]

i really like the idea of the free accident care, without being able to sue. you are taken care of, without resorting to a bunch of lawsuits. lawsuits can get pretty silly when it comes to accidents, i.e. the famous "your coffee was scalding and now you're gonna pay" lawsuit, leading to all the "coffee may be hot" warnings on cups... (would ACC cover for coffee injuries lol...)

do you think people are less litigious in NZ? i heard you will not get a lot of sympathy for failing to show common sense.

[GeorgeM]

Rabbit, it seems car crime is rife down thereThis is one of the areas where the smaller population in NZ works in the crims' favour, unfortunately.

Near to where we lived in the UK there were beauty spots where crims would lie in wait in the car parks, wait for hikers to park and set off on their walks and would then do their car over.

In NZ you get the same sort of low life, and they are also able to identify the beauty spots where pickings are likely to be rich. But in NZ there are often far fewer people around which makes the crims job far easier. As you travel in isolated places you will see that many of the vehicles left parked in the middle of nowhere are camper vans or tourist cars laden with luggage as people stop off to do a bit of a hike en route to somewhere else.

I'm not saying that people are 'asking for it', but I'm surprised that so many are willing to leave campervans (presumably with most of their possessions in) in isolated places for hours on end and trust to luck.

[Billy]

I dont want to start a crime epidemic here but I've been to view some houses with the selling agents, and we turn up to find them unlocked and unoccupied; perhaps a sign of low crime. People also tend to leave their cars unlocked with the windows open in supermarket car parks etc.

Cheers.

[chips]

How do you think 15 year olds manage to drive supped up cars ? Some of these cars , even a wealthly daddy or mummy might not be able to insure for their little darling back in the uk or us.
As for ACC ,great in theroy ,a bit naff in practice. Better than nowt for those who can't afford though.

Chips

[barryp]

For some of us, the idea is not so much that NZ is a 'crime free haven', but rather that the nature of the crime is something we can live with. Business relations operate on a level of trust that's exceptional, and the risks associated with VIOLENT crime are as low in NZ as can be found in a modern nation.

The broken window glass (found everywhere) is less problematic for me, however unpleasant.

[Smiler]

I dont want to start a crime epidemic here but I've been to view some houses with the selling agents, and we turn up to find them unlocked and unoccupied; perhaps a sign of low crime. People also tend to leave their cars unlocked with the windows open in supermarket car parks etc.

Cheers.

I've just bought some thing from TradeMe. The seller has told me it's in the shed at the back of the house, help yourself and shove the money through the cat flap in the front door.

I would feel much more comfortable going when they are in, but they have said they are not home alot and this is their preferred way. I feel like I've returned to the Uk of 40 years ago, I'm sure the key will be on a string in the letter box. :eek:

D