Thread: Tic's in NZ

Don't worry.
Yes it is a Tick. The New Zealand Cattle Tick (Haemaphysalis longicornis) we only have one species.
They are not known to spread any disease (for humans and dogs anyway there is a parasitic protozoan that it can spread between cattle).
In Australia they have the Australian paralysis tick (Ixodes holocyclus) which injects a toxin with its saliva which can cause paralysis. This often leads to death for domestic pets if left untreated. They also have a few tick borne illnesses to worry about.

For New Zealand tick bites keep a look out for allergic reactions, irritation, and potential abscesses. Be careful with removal as you don't want to leave mouth parts in the bite and lead to potential infection. Best to look up a guide on removal online.