The University-related air travel section has been updated to reflect that the University's travel directive for the Middle East has been reviewed and remains in effect.

The University is closely monitoring the global fuel supply chain and developments in the Middle East, including any impacts on travel and campus operations.

A Fuel Response Plan is in place to help manage any potential disruption. Tertiary providers have been advised by the government to continue to deliver onsite and distance learning as normal, and student accommodation will continue similarly.  

This page will be updated as the situation evolves.

The University's directive prohibiting travel to, or transit through, the Middle East has been reviewed and remains in effect for all staff and students. This directive also applies to individuals who are not University staff or students, where the travel is partially or fully funded by the University.

MFAT continues to advise that the Middle East region remains volatile and subject to rapid change. Risks remain, including the potential escalation of conflict, airspace disruptions and broader regional instability.

The University will continue to monitor MFAT SafeTravel advisories and regional developments, while continuing to prioritise the safety of staff and students and other University travellers.

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
  

We recognise that many staff and students will have ties to the Middle East region and be impacted by current global events. Whatever you may be feeling or coping with, we want you to know that support is available if you need it.

Staff 

Staff who require additional flexibility or support at this time are encouraged to speak with their manager or an HR Advisory team member [staff intranet]. A range of free, confidential counselling and support services are available through our Employee Assistance Programme (EAP) [staff intranet].

Students

• For wellbeing and academic support, contact Te Papa Manaaki, Campus Care.
• For medical support and counselling, contact University Health and Counselling Services.
• For spiritual, cultural and other specialised support visit our Personal support page.
• For free support and advice on a range of issues independent to the University, contact AUSA.

Alternatively, you can also seek support from these external organisations:

• Mental Health Crisis Line: 0800 373 7550
• 1737 Need to Talk: call 0800 1737 1737 or free text 1737. For more information, see 1737, Need to Talk?
• Lifeline: 0800 5443 354 or free text 4357 (HELP)
• Youthline: 0800 376 633 or free text 234

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.  

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.  

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.