Looking for information?
National Helplines
Below are some free to call helplines that are available 24/7.
Need to talk? Free call or text 1737 any time for support from a trained counsellor.
Lifeline – 0800 543 354 (0800 LIFELINE) or free text 4357 (HELP).
Youthline – 0800 376 633, free text 234 or email talk@youthline.co.nz or online chat.
What’s Up – 0800 942 8787 (for 5–18 year olds). Phone counselling is available every day of the week, 365 days of the year, 11am–11pm.
Parent Help – 0800 568 856 for parents/whānau seeking support, advice and practical strategies on all parenting concerns. Anonymous, non-judgemental and confidential.
Family Services 211 Helpline – 0800 211 211 for help finding (and direct transfer to) community-based health and social support services in your area.
Healthline – 0800 611 116 Health advice from professional healthcare providers.
Alcohol and Drug Helpline – 0800 787 797 or online chat.
Are You OK – 0800 456 450 family violence helpline.
Seniorline – 0800 725 463 A free information service for older people.
Gambling Helpline – 0800 654 655
Shine – 0508 744 633 confidential domestic abuse helpline.
Quit Line – 0800 778 778 smoking cessation help.
Women’s Refuge Crisisline – 0800 733 843 (0800 REFUGE) (for women living with violence, or in fear, in their relationship or family).
Shakti Crisis Line – 0800 742 584 (for migrant or refugee women living with family violence).
Safe to Talk – 0800 044 334 or free text 4334 for help to do with sexual harm. Available 24/7 and staffed by trained counsellors.
Family & Sexual Violence Organisations
Below are some dedicated Family Violence & Sexual Violence national organisations.
DSAC: Doctors for Sexual Abuse Care
The Glenn Inquiry: (website archived by National Library of NZ)
Māori Women’s Welfare League Te Ropu Wahine Maori Toko i Te Ora
Netsafe: promotes confident, safe and responsible use of online technologies
New Zealand Law Society – resources page
TOAH-NNEST: Te Ohaakii a Hine – National Network Ending Sexual Violence Together
Tautoko Mai Sexual Harm Support
Child & Youth Organisations
Below are some dedicated Child & Youth national organisations.
Brainwave Trust: New Zealand specific and evidence-based information for parents and professionals.
Big Life Journal : Resources and support for parents raising future ready kids. Mix of paid and free downloads and subscriptions.
Child Matters: educating to prevent child abuse.
Family Works: Supporting whānau throughout Central Otago and Southland.
Grandparents Raising Grandchildren: Support and resources for Grandparents who are raising or primary caregivers for grandchildren.
Mental Health Foundation: Advocacy, education and guidance for those navigating mental health challenges and the mental health system.
Netsafe:: Promotes confident, safe and responsible use of online technologies. Parent, teen and child specific guidance, workshops and support.
Parenting Place: Online parenting programmes, guidance and information on a range of issues. Hosts the Untangling Anxiety course online for parents of 2-12 year olds.
Plunket : Supporting new families navigate pregnancy, birth and the first 1000 days.
Skylight: Helping teens navigate challenges and offering support in tough times.
The Light Project: Resources for young people, parents and professionals navigating the online world of sexuality and porn.
Youth Law: Advocacy for young people needing help with the law/justice system.
VOYCE – Whakaronga Mai: Advocacy organisation and support for care experienced children and young people.