United States Diplomatic Mission to New Zealand

The Warden System allows Americans to receive security warnings and other important notices as quickly as possible. Wardens are American citizens who will contact other Americans with relevant information from the Embassy or the Department of State.

Recent Warden Messages:

• December 2011 - Earthquake in Canterbury - December 23, 2011: A magnitude 5.8 quake struck at 1:58 pm, 23 December 2011, 20km northeast of Lyttelton, near Christchurch, with a large aftershock occurring at 3:20 pm.Earthquake in Canterbury - December 23, 2011.
  
  The U.S. Embassy and Consulate General in New Zealand recommend any Americans in the affected area refer to guidance provided by local authorities on building closures, transportation stoppages, power outages, and other important safety information. [read more]
• December 2011 - Travel Alert - South Pacific region - ongoing threat of cyclones
• October 2011 - Worldwide travel alert - The Department of State alerts U.S. citizens of the potential for anti-U.S. actions following the disruption of a plot, linked to Iran, to commit a significant terrorist act in the United States.
• October 2011 - Worldwide Caution - The Department of State alerts U.S. citizens to the potential for retaliation against U.S. citizens and interests following the deaths of key figures in the terrorist group al-Qaida in the Arabian Peninsula on September 30.
• September 2011 - Worldwide Caution - Continued threat posed by al-Qa'ida and its affiliates.
• July 26, 2011 - Worldwide Caution.
• May 02, 2011 - The U.S. Department of State alerts U.S. citizens traveling and residing abroad to the enhanced potential for anti-American violence following recent counter- terrorism activity in Pakistan.[read more]
• January 27, 2011 - Heavy rain and flash flood warning for Upper North Island. This Warden Message is being used to inform U.S. citizens living or visiting New Zealand that the New Zealand Metrological Service (Met Service) has issued the following report. [read more]
• September 04, 2010 - Earthquake in Christchurch, Saturday Morning, 4 September 2010: Public Announcement from U.S. Consulate.
• February 24, 2010 - New Law Makes Absentee Voting Easier for Overseas Americans.

Previous Warden Messages:

• 2009-H1N1 Influenza, sometimes referred to as "swine flu".
• Avian Influenza - How to Prepare for “Sheltering-In-Place” - November, 2006
• Avian Influenza A (H5N1) and Pandemic Influenza - July 17 2006
• Register for updated information on travel and security
• Public Announcement - Worldwide Caution on terrorist activity (updated October 2006) 

• Worldwide Caution, click here. 

Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP):

The State Department operates a secure Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) to record your foreign trip and residence information that the Department of State can use to communicate with you and assist you in case of an emergency.

The site also provides you with up-to-date travel information customized to your unique travel agenda and itinerary. The data you provide is secured behind Department of State firewalls, accessed only by cleared personnel in Embassies, Consulates, and the Department of State, and releasable only under the provisions of the Privacy Act.

STEP for American citizens allows you to enrol and update your contact information at any time, making it easier for you to keep your information current.

We invite you to use and get acquainted with STEP to enrol yourself and your family.

U.S. citizens around the world who travel or reside abroad can access this site at https://travelregistration.state.gov/

If you encounter any difficulties or have any questions about STEP, please send an e-mail to CAIbrs@state.gov