Does the plumbing system in New Zealand allow toilet paper to be flushed?

Yes it does allow you to flush toilet paper. i never actually realised that there were plumbing systems (apart from the obvious long drop/pit type toilets) which didn't allow flushing. But realised after travelling to many countries (Turkey, mid east, parts of Europe) that this isn't the case in some developing/rural systems. The bin next to the toilet is usually for non flushable stuff like the wrapping paper the toilet roll comes in, the toilet roll once you have used the paper etc. Sanitary pads should be put in the special sanitary disposal bins also next to the toilet. Tampons can be flushed but should actually (apparently) also be put in those bins.  more