Community services
Finding what services and groups exist in your community has never been easier. There are many online and print directories listing all kinds of advice, services and support for families and children.
As well as looking online, you can also ask:
- your local council of community services or other networking body
- a friendly librarian
- an advisor at the closest CAB
- a council community worker
- kaiwhakahaere at a nearby marae
- your local font of wisdom.
Finding social services
Family Services Directory
Lists organisations in your area that can help you or your family. Run by Family and Community Services who keep this directory up-to-date.
Local community directories
Find clubs, community organisations, sports clubs and social services in your area.
Heartlands Service Centres
Service Centres around New Zealand are 'one stop shops' that feature services and information from a range of government organizations. This includes forms, guidelines, email and phone facilities, and access to government websites. Heartland Services Co-ordinators can make appointments for you with visiting government agencies and direct you to services that meet your needs.
Social service and related networks
List of organisations which you can join. Each organisation has its own membership criteria, and joining fees.
Other sources of information
Citizen's Advice Bureau
An independent community organisation providing information, advice, advocacy and support to individuals from 90 bureaux around Aotearoa New Zealand.
Community Help Directory
A directory of services provided by government departments, state owned enterprises, and non-government agencies. As well as contact details the directory describes the services provided. Latest edition: 2008-2009. (Print only).
Eldernet
A database for older people listing New Zealand rest homes, residential care, retirement villages, home help, community groups, public hospitals and other third age services.
Healthpages
A list of health and wellbeing services to assist people to self-refer, finding health professionals, or network within the health sector.
Te Kāhui Māngai
A national directory of iwi and Māori organisations in New Zealand. Primarily designed for any party wishing to consult representatives of Māori tribes around New Zealand. The directory is maintained by Te Puni Kōkiri.
Iwi and Māori Authorities
A list of rūnanga, iwi authorities, Māori land courts and other Māori organisations.
Local community directories
Many councils maintain list of social services, community groups, associations and other organisations.
Naumaiplace.com
One place online where hundreds of marae share their history, stories, photos and news. There is a marae booking facility.
Office of Ethnic Affairs community directory
A list of agencies that work with ethnic communities, families and individuals.
Takoa Rua Mano
Although no longer in print, this networking resource is still very useful. 2000 plus listings, including information on marae, iwi, social services, business, justice, education, government, training, arts, health services and education scholarships.
Webhealth
Listings of health and social services, along with relevant information, for people served by eight DHBs: Waitemata, Auckland, Counties-Manukau, Waikato, Bay of Plenty, Lakes, Taranaki and Canterbury.
Weka - what everybody keeps asking about disability
New Zealand's disability information web site, for people with disabilities, their families, Whānau and caregivers, health professionals and disability information providers.
