The University-related air travel section has been updated to reflect the latest travel guidance for the Middle East.

The University is closely monitoring the global fuel supply chain and its impact on New Zealand. This is an evolving situation, and we are operating in alignment with government advice.

As of 27 March 2026, New Zealand is at Response Phase 1, which means there is minimal impact on fuel distribution across the country. Tertiary providers have been advised by the Government to continue to deliver onsite and distance learning as normal, and student accommodation will continue similarly.    

Any significant changes to campus operations, travel policies, or support subsidies will be posted here.

You may also wish to review the Government’s New Zealand’s Fuel Response Plan factsheet [PDF] and their 27 March official press release.  

The University is aware that MFAT SafeTravel has recently de-escalated the travel advisory level for some Middle East destinations, including the United Arab Emirates (Dubai and Abu Dhabi) and Qatar (Doha), to Level 2 – Exercise Increased Caution.

While this indicates some improvement in the security situation, MFAT continues to advise that the regional environment remains volatile and subject to rapid change. Risks remain, including the potential escalation of conflict, airspace disruptions and broader regional instability.

Current requirements

The University's directive prohibiting travel to or via the Middle East remains in effect until and including 31 July 2026.

This reflects a cautious and measured approach, allowing the University to:

• confirm the stability of current MFAT SafeTravel advisory levels;
• monitor airline operations and transit reliability; and
• assess any further geopolitical developments that may affect traveller safety.

The University will continue to closely monitor MFAT SafeTravel advisories and regional developments throughout July.

Future University position

Subject to no further escalation in the region and MFAT SafeTravel advisories remaining stable at Level 2, travel bookings for journeys occurring on or after 1 August 2026 to or via the Middle East will recommence.

Under this arrangement:

• Orbit will offer these travel options through both travel consultants and the Orbit online booking tool.
• Third-party funded travel to or via the Middle East may also be booked for travel occurring on or after 1 August 2026.
• Travellers must ensure appropriate travel insurance coverage is in place.
• Travellers should continue to monitor MFAT SafeTravel advisories up to the point of departure.
• Country-specific travel advisories can be found on the MFAT SafeTravel website.

Travel registration and Duty of Care requirements

Existing travel risk management requirements remain in place.

For travel booked outside Orbit:

• Staff, guests and PhD candidates must register their travel with the Risk Office.
• Students must register their travel through 360 International.
• Travellers should also familiarise themselves with pre-travel risk information and remain alert to any changes in travel advisories before departure. Existing escalation and review processes will apply should advisory levels change prior to travel.

Existing bookings

If you have travel that was booked prior to 28 February 2026 and includes transit through the Middle East, please contact the Risk Office immediately for further advice.

These bookings will be assessed on a case-by-case basis, subject to:

• confirmation that the relevant MFAT SafeTravel advisory remains at Level 2 at the time of travel; and
• operational considerations, including airline routing and transit conditions.

Further Information

For any questions regarding this advisory, please contact the Risk Office at riskoffice@auckland.ac.nz.

Travel support

For all other travel disruption (such as flight delays, cancellations or rerouting), staff may submit a travel insurance claim through the standard claims process [staff intranet].

Travellers on official international University travel have access to 24/7, worldwide medical and security support via our emergency travel assistance provider Healix.

• Phone +64 9 374 1736. Note: You will need to quote the Chubb policy number, NZBTAG08936125
  

At this time, the New Zealand Government’s recommendation for tertiary providers is to continue to operate normally and for New Zealanders to access fuel as they normally would.

We remain committed to keeping the campus open and providing an engaging and vibrant University environment. Many of our students live within walking distance of campus and high numbers of staff are engaged in delivering learning and teaching or providing student support services.

At the same time, we acknowledge the impact that the current situation and higher fuel prices are having on staff, students and their families.

Staff

While the primary place of work for most staff is one of our University campuses, many teams already have flexible working approaches in place, supported by the University’s Flexible and remote working principles.

These principles encourage a leader-led approach, acknowledging that flexibility is not “one size fits all” and that not all roles will have access to the same forms of flexibility, including remote working.

At this point we encourage leaders to continue with previously agreed approaches and to consider how these might need to adapt as circumstances change. It is sensible to consider contingency planning for your specific role, course or research should constraints tighten in the future.

As fuel prices rise, leaders may receive requests for increased flexibility. For example, staff may ask to start work at home and travel to campus off-peak, or to work some or additional days remotely. Any such requests need to be balanced with the advantages of being on campus including the opportunity for collaboration, maintaining service levels for stakeholders and support for students.

We encourage staff to maintain open conversations with their line manager or academic head about their individual circumstances. We will continue to monitor the situation and consider how to support staff through this challenging period.

Students

As of late 2025, most students receive a 40% discount on public transit through the tertiary student concession.

Staff

Refer to Public transport subsidy pilot with AT Fareshare [staff intranet].

Staff also receive discounts on electric bicycles through the Electric Bike Team.  

Staff 

As part of the University's Health, Safety and Wellbeing Policy, all permanent and fixed-term staff can access support through our Employee Assistance Programme (EAP) [staff intranet].

Students

Students onshore in New Zealand can get personal support from one of our specialist support teams:

• Te Papa Manaaki | Campus Care
• University Health and Counselling Services

For general support, contact our faculty student support teams.

If you are suffering undue financial hardship, you may be eligible for short term, immediate hardship support. More information can be found at our Financial support page or by talking to your faculty student support team about other potential options.  

The University is operating in an environment of heightened energy price volatility and broader input cost pressure, influenced by global supply chain disruption and ongoing geopolitical instability. These conditions are likely to result in increased operating costs across fuel, energy, logistics and supplier pricing more generally.

In this context, staff are asked to maintain a strong awareness of cost. Before committing to expenditure, consider whether the purchase is necessary at this time, whether demand can be reduced, or whether alternative approaches are available.

If you are contacted by a supplier about increased costs due to fuel surcharges or cost escalation linked to external events, refer it to your Finance business partner [staff intranet]. They are the primary point of contact for cost and supply related concerns and play a central role in ensuring a consistent, coordinated response across the University, with Strategic Procurement support where required.

This approach supports financial resilience, value for money and prudent decision‑making during a period of elevated uncertainty.