People Smuggling and Shipping

Get a free quote today

to find out costs and procedures involved in shipping your car from Australia to New Zealand.

Posted on 10th December 2013


 

There hardly seems to be a week without a report of migrants crossing the seas in the most dangerous conditions in the hope of a better future. Fleeing wars, political or religious persecution, extreme poverty, they risk their lives in makeshift embarkations.

Australia, which sees a regular influx of asylum seekers coming by sea from Indonesia, has recently put through legislative changes allowing such ships to be forced back, in an attempt to curb immigration, sparkling controversy in the international community as it violates some international maritime laws.

Under the Law of the Sea, the International Refugee Law and Human Rights Law, there is a duty to rescue ships and passengers in difficulty, which is often, by definition, the situation those migrants face. Smugglers are therefore now in the position where they have to gamble on whether whoever intercepts them will follow international law and take them in, or Australian law and will turn them away.

Unsurprisingly, they are not willing to take that risk with their livelihood, and they have adapted with creative “travel options”. Ironically named the ‘cruise ship’, migrants are now offered to be transported to Australia inside sealed shipping containers.

While it may sound safer than travelling on flimsy, overcrowded wooden boats, the conditions are no less life threatening. Shipped on international vessels, migrants may be unlikely to capsize and drown, but those containers are no less overcrowded than the boats previously used, and there have been several cases of death and serious illness due to asphyxiation and dehydration.

In addition, smugglers have been directing migrants to New Zealand under the misconception that immigration laws are more flexible there – although the country has also had to tighten their regulations – misleading desperate people into undertaking a dangerous journey with no certain outcome.

For further information on international shipping, contact us, phone us on +64 9 303 0075, or get a free quote.

Click here to see our reference guide to making car shipping stress free with our tried and tested 1-2-3 step process.


Our easy - 3 step shipping process

×
Advise pick-up location
Documents & shipping
Delivered to your door

Tell us the pick up location and we'll arrange a date & time

We handle all customs & shipping including insurance

Enjoy your toy, after it's delivered to your door anywhere in NZ.

Get Started


Related articles

Importing Cars from Japan to NZ: What You Need to Know
Posted on 23rd October 2023
Thinking of importing a car from Japan to New Zealand? This blog post will be your guide, walking you through the entire process from start to finish.
Read more


Tips on Preparing Your Vehicle for Shipping
Posted on 23rd September 2023
Ensure hassle-free vehicle shipping with our comprehensive guide. Learn step-by-step preparations for a smooth, hassle-free vehicle transport process.
Read more


Your Guide to Importing a Car to Australia from New Zealand
Posted on 17th July 2023
Whether you're a Kiwi looking to move to Australia or an Aussie local looking to catch a better deal across the pond, importing a car to Australia can be a fantastic idea. Below, we will lay out everything you need to know before you ship a car to Australia from New Zealand.
Read more


20-Year Import Rule: Can You Import Old Cars to NZ?
Posted on 15th June 2023
Are you planning to ship a classic car to New Zealand? You must know the logistics under the 20-year import rule. We explore how car age affects shipping to NZ.
Read more


Increased measures - Takata airbag recall.. Read more.