General Information

At the Conference

Your Conference pack will be available for collection from the Registration Desk located in the Christchurch Convention Centre.  The desk will be open at the following times:

Biosecurity

New Zealand has a national biosecurity system that is considered one of the most robust in the world.  It is critically important to us to protect our dairying industry, which plays a significant part in our national economy. 

We, therefore, request all international visitors to the 5th IDF International Mastitis Conference 2010 to take particular care in the disinfection of all footwear prior to entering the country. 

We are sure you will appreciate the necessity for such precautions, and would ask that clean clothing and footwear are worn when visiting any farms in New Zealand.

Catering

All refreshment breaks and lunches will be served in the exhibition area.

Climate

Summer (December – March)
Temperatures range from around 19ºC during the day, dropping to 10ºC at night.  The climate in Christchurch is changeable, so it is recommended that you bring an umbrella and a warm jacket.

Currency/Banking

There are many banks situated close to the Conference venue which offer currency exchange facilities.  Banking hours are commonly 0900-1630hrs, Monday to Friday.

An ATM machine is located in the main foyer of the Town Hall, directly opposite the Christchurch Convention Centre.  Branches of most major New Zealand banks are situated very near to the Conference venue on Colombo Street and Armagh Street.

Daily Allowance

You can live on as little as NZ$70 per day in New Zealand!  Breakfasts can usually be found for NZ$15, lunches around NZ$20 and a delicious evening meal is in the region of NZ$30.  Please note that morning teas, lunches and afternoon teas are all included in your full registration fee.

Please click here for the latest currency conversions.

Dress

Smart casual dress for all Conference sessions and social functions.

Electricity

The standard voltage of supply in New Zealand is 230 volts, 50 hertz.  Most hotels and motels provide 100 volt AC sockets (rated at 20 watts) for electric razors only.  For other apparatus you will need an adaptor with a flat, angled two or three-point power plug to connect to the power supply.

Goods and Services Tax

Goods and services sold in New Zealand are subject to a 12.5% 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.

Insurance

Registration fees do not include insurance of any kind.  It is strongly recommended that at the time you register for the Conference and book your travel, you take out an insurance policy of your choice to cover any and every eventuality.  The Conference Managers cannot take responsibility for any participant failing to arrange their own insurance.

Language

New Zealand has three official languages - Māori, English and New Zealand Sign Language.

Laptops

You will need an RJ45 type plug to be able to connect your laptop into a computer socket in New Zealand, and an adaptor with a flat, angled two or three-point power plug to connect to the power supply.

Louis Vuitton Festival of Sails Yacht Racing

Click here to find out more about Louis Vuitton racing in Auckland.

Name Badges

Name badges will be given to all delegates on registration.  You must wear your badge at all times, including social functions.  Entry tickets will be given for all social and optional events.

Passport and Visas

A current passport is required for entry to New Zealand. If you are not a New Zealand or Australian passport holder, your passport must be valid for at least 3 months beyond the date you intend to depart New Zealand.

Details of visa requirements can be obtained from your travel agent, airline or the New Zealand diplomatic and consular offices, New Zealand Immigration Services offices in New Zealand or the New Zealand Immigration Service web site: www.immigration.govt.nz.

Rental Cars

Avis Rent a Car offers its corporate rates to Conference delegates.  Just call the local Avis office in your country and request a quote giving the booking reference number:  AWD Z994400.

Special Requirements

Every effort will be made to ensure delegates with special needs are catered for.  Should you require any specific assistance, or catering please give details required when registering.

Time

In March New Zealand time is 13 hours ahead of GMT: www.timeanddate.com.

Tipping

While tipping is not expected it is welcomed if good service is provided.

Transport from the Airport

Shuttles are available from the Airport to Cathedral Square in the centre of Christchurch.  Some shuttle operators provide a door-to-door service from the airport to your hotel prices will vary and you should check at the time of booking.  Allow 30-45 minutes for shuttle transport from the airport.

Travel

For all flight enquiries please click here to contact our preferred travel agents for a quote.