Connectivity — New Zealand

Radio gear that is ordinary in the US is contraband in New Zealand. US FRS and GMRS walkie-talkies, European PMR446 radios and Garmin or SportDog dog-tracking collars are all prohibited imports, because they sit on New Zealand's emergency-services and conservation frequencies. Signal and GPS jammers are banned outright, and since 10 October 2025 that ban reaches manufacturing, importing, selling, supplying and simply possessing one.

A fine not exceeding NZ$30,000 for an individual, or NZ$200,000 for a body corporate, where no penalty is provided elsewhere, plus up to NZ$1,000 for every day a continuing offence lasts (Radiocommunications Act 1989, s 128). An infringement fee of NZ$250 for an individual (NZ$1,250 for a body corporate) for dealing in equipment declared prohibited by the chief executive (Radiocommunications Regulations 2001, Schedule 5 Part 2). Operating a radio transmitter in contravention of the regulations: a fine not exceeding NZ$20,000 (reg 48(2)). New Zealand Customs states that prohibited items are "not allowed into New Zealand under any circumstances" and that bringing them in "is a serious offence and can lead to your arrest"; RSM states a prohibited product will be confiscated and the owner or operator prosecuted.