The 13-hour difference

No one_s sure what will happen if the Y2K computer glitch strikes after midnight Dec. 31. Computer systems could go haywire, towns might black out, trains may stop and medical life-support systems could fail. But one thing everyone knows is that it will all happen first in New Zealand. Its proximity to the international date line - just 185 miles at its closest point - makes it the first large nation to greet the year 2000. The millennium bug refers to the inability of older computers, which read years by the last two digits, to recognize the difference between the years 2000 and 1900. When the clock strikes on the new year, it is feared those computers will fail. And with computers controlling everything from stock trading to office-building elevators, the damage could be widespread. So for the first hours of Jan. 1, 2000, the rest of the world will be watching to see what happens - or doesn't happen - in New Zealand. A special Web site has been set up to instantly relay information about any Y2K disruptions in New Zealand. And officials say they are worried about being deluged with calls from around the world. Experts say that whatever happens in New Zealand is a reliable sign for what is likely to hit elsewhere. The 13-hour difference between New Zealand and Europe, and the 18 hour-difference with the United States, might not be enough to fix complicated problems but is likely to be enough time for simple changes.
With so much international attention, New Zealand is determined to prevent a Y2K disaster. The government has worked closely with utilities and other companies to encourage them to take necessary action early on, checking the computers and replacing equipment or software, when needed. John Good, special adviser to the Y2K Readiness Commission, which the government set up in October last year, says the main goals are not only to protect the health and safety of New Zealanders and to curb economic damage. International relations are also at stake. What worries Good and other officials is that even if nothing goes wrong, people might panic and cause new trouble - such as rushing to withdraw money from banks. The government has been trying to educate the public with a $1.3 million campaign to encourage people to be prepared as they would for a flood or storm by stocking up on flashlights, food, water and other emergency items.
Auckland Healthcare Services has been handing out leaflets telling patients they don't need to worry about failing hospital equipment, including respiratory monitors, dialysis machines and incubators. All have been checked and tested, and backup systems are in place in case of breakdowns.
TV commercials urging Y2K awareness are aired often here, featuring a mascot cockroach who warns: "Be Y2K wise. All it takes is a little bit of planning, a little bit of thought."