Around our coast

Our coastlines are part of New Zealand’s border. Criminals can use them to bring drugs into our country. If you’re near the coast, be alert to the signs of cross-border crime.

What to look for

You may have witnessed something illegal if you notice yachts or boats doing any of these:

• meeting at sea
• landing in an unusual area
• transferring objects between vessels.

Another sign of potential crime: people or vehicles in unusual or isolated areas near the coast, especially when their activity looks rushed, nervous or secretive.

Look out for private or commercial vessels of any size that are:

• meeting at sea
• signalling to the shore
• attempting to land in remote or unusual locations
• operating at night without lights
• departing in unsuitable weather conditions
• transferring things between them at sea.

What to report

Report unusual or abandoned vessels, in particular:

• seaworthy vessels that appear abandoned
• vessels with equipment that doesn’t seem to match their intended purpose
• vessels with unusually damaged hulls.

Report any unusual objects on the shore or floating in the water.

Often it’s not what you see, but what you hear. Wherever you are, if you hear about possible illegal activity, let us know.

You know your coast. If it doesn’t seem right:

• find out what to do before you report
• report it.

You do not have to provide any personal information to make a report.

Reporting an emergency

Call 111 and ask for Police when:

• someone is badly injured or in danger
• there's a serious risk to life or property
• a crime is being committed, and the offenders are still there or have just left
• it's happening now or has just happened.

More information on emergency reporting is available at New Zealand Police.