He Āwhina, Tohutohu
Help and Advice
If you, or someone you care about is worried about a mokopuna or needing some help, you can contact us. There are also a number of other organisations that can help (see below).
To contact us
For free, independent advice on children’s rights:
Our Child Rights Line is available on 0800 224 453 from 9am to 5pm Monday to Thursday.
If you need an interpreter, just ask for Ezispeak Language Line and the language you want when you call us.
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)
Me whai āwhina ahau?
What do you need help with?
School and kura
Find out what to do if your child is having an issue at school or kura.
Oranga Tamariki
Advice on the rights of mokopuna in care of Oranga Tamariki or make a complaint.
Here are contact details for organisations that can help
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.
YouthLaw
0800 UTHLAW (0800 884 529)
Free legal help for children and young people throughout Aotearoa.
Safe to Talk
0800 044 334
A sexual harm support helpline and website - 24/7, confidential and free.
Youthline
0800 376 633 or free text 234
Youthline works with young people, their families and those supporting young people.
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.
Whatsup
0800 942 8787
A safe place for children and teenagers to talk about anything at all.
Parent Help
0800 568 856
Help for parents with all parenting challenges from those everyday situations to the most serious issue of child abuse.
The Family Service Directory
A searchable online database where you can find information and contact details about agencies that help families throughout New Zealand.
Are You OK
0800 456 450
Family Violence support and information. Their website has a safe browse option, alternatively you can call their helpline.
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.
Citizen’s Advice Bureau (CAB)
0800 367 222
Free and independent advice about your rights and responsibilities.
Samaritans
0800 726 666
Free 24/7 helpline providing confidential emotional support to people experiencing loneliness, depression, despair, distress or suicidal feelings.
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.