Everyday Safety in New Zealand | When to Use 111, 105 and *555

First Question: Is Anyone in Immediate Danger?

You do not need to decide whether a situation is “serious enough” before seeking help. Ask whether it is happening now, whether anyone is injured, or whether someone could be harmed soon. If the answer may be yes, call 111.

111: Emergencies

Call 111 when you need an emergency response from Police, Fire or Ambulance. Examples include violence happening now, someone being threatened or injured, a fire or serious crash, an unconscious person, or any immediate concern for your own or another person's safety.

If you are unsure but remain worried about people or property being unsafe, call 111 and explain what you can see. The call taker can help assess the situation. Do not delay seeking help because you are worried about making the wrong call.

105: Something Has Happened, but There Is No Immediate Danger

If an incident has already happened and Police do not need to attend urgently, call 105, or report online at 105.police.govt.nz. 105 is New Zealand's free nationwide non-emergency service, available 24 hours a day.

• You suspect a scam and nobody is in immediate danger;
• Property has been lost, stolen, or damaged;
• Your vehicle, bicycle, or phone has been stolen; or
• You want to provide information about suspicious activity, stalking, harassment, or crime in your area.

For a scam, contact your bank first to protect your account, then make a 105 report. Do not wait to notify the bank while collecting information.

*555: Urgent Road Incidents That Are Not Life-Threatening

*555 can only be called from a mobile phone. Use it for urgent road incidents that are not life-threatening, such as a non-injury crash, a dangerous obstruction, a breakdown creating a hazard, or continuing dangerous driving. *555 has lower priority than 111. If anyone is injured or life is at risk, always call 111.

For minor poor driving that has ended and is no longer an immediate public danger, you can use the Police Community Roadwatch form. If you want the matter formally investigated and potentially prosecuted, make a formal complaint at a Police station.

Five Details to Prepare Before You Report

1. Location: Where are you? Note nearby streets, shops, signs, or landmarks.
2. What is happening: Explain simply what you saw, heard, or experienced.
3. Time: When did it happen, and is it still continuing?
4. People or vehicle details: Clothing, vehicle colour, registration, or direction of travel. Do not put yourself at risk to obtain details.
5. Evidence: Keep messages, emails, photos, videos, payment information, or a report number. If a scene may contain evidence, do not touch or move items.