He Āwhina, Tohutohu

Help and Advice

HelpandAdvice

If you, or someone you care about, is worried about a mokopuna or needing some help, you can call us on
0800 224 453 for advice and support.

To contact us

For information on children’s rights, you can phone us on 0800 224 453 (extension 1 to speak to the Child Rights Advisor) or email children@manamokopuna.org.nz


For media queries, please email us on media@manamokopuna.org.nz or call 029 909 2715

E māharahara ana mō te haumaru o te tamaiti

If you are worried about a child’s safety

If you’re concerned about the immediate safety or wellbeing of a child or young person, call:

  • Police on 111
  • Oranga Tamariki—Ministry for Children
    on 0508 FAMILY (0508 326 459)

We promote the rights, interests and participation of all mokopuna. This includes helping to resolve issues, which might involve connecting young people and their whānau with appropriate agencies and organisations.

To make a complaint about Oranga Tamariki and its care or custody providers, you can contact the Ombudsman on 0800 184 184.

There are also a number of other organisations that can help (see below).

Me whai āwhina ahau?

What do you need help with?

Kura Illustration

School and kura

Find out what to do if your child is having an issue at school or kura.

Find out more
Legal Rights Illustration

Rights

Find out about the special rights for children and young people.

Find out more
Mother Son Illustration

Oranga Tamariki

Advice on the rights of mokopuna in care of Oranga Tamariki or make a complaint.

Find out more

Here are contact details for organisations that can help

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Voyce - Whakarongo Mai

0800 4VOYCE (0800 486 923)

VOYCE are an independent connection and advocacy service for care-experienced mokopuna, separate from us and Oranga Tamariki.

Visit website
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Whatsup

0800 942 8787

A safe place for children and teenagers to talk about anything at all.

Visit website
YouthLineNZ

Youthline

0800 376 633 or free text 234

Youthline works with young people, their families and those supporting young people.

Visit website
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YouthLaw

0800 UTHLAW (0800 884 529)

Free legal help for children and young people throughout Aotearoa.

Visit website
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The Lowdown

0800 111 757 or text 5626

Website and free 24/7 helpline to help young New Zealanders recognise and understand depression and anxiety.

Find out more here
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Safe to Talk

0800 044 334

A sexual harm support helpline and website - 24/7, confidential and free.

Visit website
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Parent Help

0800 568 856

Help for parents with all parenting challenges from those everyday situations to the most serious issue of child abuse.

Visit website
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The Family Service Directory

A searchable online database where you can find information and contact details about agencies that help families throughout New Zealand.

Visit website
AreYouOK

Are You OK

0800 456 450

Family Violence support and information. Their website has a safe browse option, alternatively you can call their helpline.

Visit website
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Community Law

Community Law offers all sorts of free legal help, from easy-to-read information, to community workshops, to one-on-one legal help.

Visit website
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Citizen’s Advice Bureau (CAB)

0800 367 222

Free and independent advice about your rights and responsibilities.

Visit website
Samaritans NZ

Samaritans

0800 726 666

Free 24/7 helpline providing confidential emotional support to people experiencing loneliness, depression, despair, distress or suicidal feelings.

Find out more here

Previously in care?

The Royal Commission of Inquiry into Historical Abuse in State Care

If you have concerns about your treatment while in care before 1999, the Commission has been set up to listen to stories about the experiences of people in care and examine ways to stop further abuse.