Headache for envoys

Press, 17 July 1980, Page 9

Headache for envoys

New Zealanders in trouble with the law in other countries are causing increasing concern to New Zealand embassies and consulates. < The Minisiry of Foreign Affairs annual report, tabled in Parliament, says that Ministry and consular staff of missions in Bangkok and elsewhere spent “considerable resources and time” helping New Zealanders arrested for or convicted of drug offences. “Those who are foolish enough to become involved often face an unfamiliar system of justice, lawyers’ fees amounting to thousands of dollars, long periods of pre-trial detention, heavy prison sentences, and unpleasant conditions of confinement.” The report says only

limited aid can be afforded in such circumstances. This does not extend either to financial help with the payment of legal fees and other expenses or any intervention in judicial- proceedings which in all cases fall within the domestic jurisdiction of the local courts. The report says it is essential that? New Zealanders should be aware that they must take personal repsonsibility for the payment of all debts incurred for hospital care and medical facilities outside New Zealand. “All intending travellers should arrange adequate insurance to cover the generally expensive and escalating costs of medical attention abroad,” the report says.