Addiction
Salvation Army
Net Addiction
According to a 2012 report, most New Zealanders play video games in moderation, but 6-8% of us may have problems with the way we spend our time gaming or using the internet, whether it’s playing action games on a console, Massively Multiplayer Online (MMO) games on the PC, or social games through a phone or tablet.
Net Addiction aims to provide information to people interested in understanding problematic use of gaming and gaming addictions in New Zealand. It aims to provide a critical look at how we as a people are using the internet and gaming, and provide resources for those looking to change the way they or their family are doing things, by drawing on the available local and international research.
Alcohol & Drug Helpline
Alcohol & Drug Helpline is a New Zealand-based service offering support, information, and resources for individuals and whānau affected by alcohol and drug use. They provide confidential helplines, online tools, and guidance.
COMMUNITY ALCOHOL AND DRUG SERVICES - CADS
Recreational drug use and addiction is a complex issue that has permeated the culture and touched the lives of most families. Find out more here.
Mind & Body
Mind & Body is a New Zealand organisation that provides peer support, advocacy, and mental health services. With a focus on lived experience, they empower individuals on their recovery journey through one-on-one support, workshops, and workplace well-being programs.
Turning Point Recovery Services
Turning Point is a New Zealand-based addiction treatment service offering support for individuals facing alcohol, drug, and gambling challenges. They provide counseling, group therapy, and tailored recovery programs
WIT (Whatever It Takes) Services
WIT Services provides housing, mental health, and addiction support across New Zealand. They offer peer-led services, advocacy, and community programs to empower individuals on their journey to well-being and independence.
Adventure and Youth Development
Outward Bound
Outward Bound uses an incredible learning environment to aid social and emotional learning, the foundations of personal development. Sponsorship and scholarships for a range of courses are available.
Hillary Outdoors Education Centres
As New Zealand’s leading provider of outdoor education to secondary schools, the Hillary Outdoors Education Centres’ vision is to provide education using outdoor pursuits to New Zealanders. Hillary Outdoors offers a variety of courses for youth ranging from their most popular course, the Youth Adventure Challenge to their Summit Leadership and youth skills courses.
Spirit of Adventure Trust
The Spirit of Adventure Trust programme facilitates opportunities for young people to discover things about themselves and those around them. The Emphasis of the Youth Development Programme is on team work, leadership, independence, problem solving, motivation, public speaking, self-confidence, community spirit, self-esteem and overcoming challenges.
Raise up n Represent
Raise up n Represent is a youth programme for 13-18 year olds that has been designed to provide a safe and healthy environment in which youth can relax, socialise and achieve goals. The aim is to support youth in being physically fit, to encourage personal ownership and leadership, and to foster a sense of pride and respect for themselves, and the communities in which they live.
Tracks (Boys) / Tides (Girls)
Tracks specialises in organising events that are a ‘Rite of Passage’ for boys becoming young men, and Tides specialises in ‘Rites of Passage’ for girls becoming young women. Events aim to encourage all young people, instil positive values, increase self-esteem and help develop visions for the future. Ongoing access is provided to a supportive community of peers, role models and mentors.
Adventure Specialties Trust
Adventure Specialties Trust uses outdoor adventure to support personal growth and well-being. They offer adventure therapy, youth development programs, and team-building experiences to help individuals build confidence, resilience, and life skills.
AdventureWorks
AdventureWorks provides experiential learning through outdoor education, leadership development, and team-building programs. They use adventure-based activities to foster personal growth, resilience, and stronger connections within schools, workplaces, and communities.
Spirit of Adventure
Spirit of Adventure offers life-changing youth development voyages aboard their sailing ship, helping young people build confidence, leadership skills, and resilience through hands-on adventure at sea.
Autism
Autism New Zealand including Aspergers and related disorders
Autism New Zealand Inc. provides support, training, advocacy, resources and information on autism spectrum disorders including Asperger syndrome. Our members include those who have these conditions, their family/whanau, caregivers and professionals working with them.
Altogether Autism
Altogether Autism provides trusted, evidence-based information and support for autistic individuals, their whānau, and professionals. Their Information Hub offers resources, advice, and connections to help navigate life on the spectrum.
Explore Wellbeing - Autism Support Services
Explore Wellbeing offers specialised support for autistic individuals and their families. Their services focus on enhancing communication, social skills, and overall well-being, providing tailored programs and resources to empower individuals on the autism spectrum.
Bullying
Netsafe (Online Bullying)
Online bullying can be tough to deal with, and it can feel like there’s ‘no escape’ – but there’s help available.
If you’re being bullied online, or if someone has sent or posted something about you that makes you upset, you can contact Netsafe and they’ll let you know what you can do about it.
0800 What's Up
0800 WHAT’S UP is a safe place for you to TALK about ANYTHING at all.
Youthlaw
The Lowdown
Depression Helpline
Depression and anxiety affects us all differently. We all face challenges to our mental health. Depression and anxiety changes the way we think, feel and deal with tough times. Talk to the Depression Helpline today.
Change, Loss & Grief
Skylight
Skylight is a national not-for-profit trust that enables children, young people, their families/whānau, and friends to navigate through times of trauma, loss, and grief by building resilience.
Mental Health Foundation - Grief and Loss
The Mental Health Foundation provides support and information for individuals experiencing grief and loss. Their resources offer guidance on coping with the emotional, psychological, and physical impacts of loss, helping individuals find comfort and healing during difficult times.
ACW - Grief Services
ACW offers specialised grief support services to individuals coping with loss. Through counseling, support groups, and resources, they help people navigate the emotional journey of grief, providing compassionate care to those in need of healing and understanding.
Grief Centre - Counselling Services
The Grief Centre offers professional counseling for individuals experiencing grief and loss. Their services provide a safe space to explore emotions, gain coping strategies, and work through the challenges of loss with the support of experienced counsellors.
Internet Safety
NetSafe: The internet safety group
NetSafe, the programme of New Zealand’s Internet Safety Group (ISG), is cybersafety education for all New Zealanders – children, parents, schools, community organisations and businesses. The ISG has been designated the Ministry of Education’s ‘agent of choice’ for cybersafety education in New Zealand.
Keep It Real Online - Keeping Your Family Safe Online
Keep It Real Online offers practical advice and resources for parents to help keep their family safe in the digital world. They provide guidance on managing online risks, setting boundaries, and fostering open conversations to promote healthy online habits for children and teens.
New Zealand Police - Internet Safety
The New Zealand Police provide essential advice on internet safety to help protect individuals and families online. Their resources cover topics such as online scams, privacy protection, and safe browsing practices, empowering users to navigate the digital world securely.
Mental Health
Mental Health Foundation of New Zealand
The Mental Health Foundation of New Zealand is a charity that works towards creating a society free from discrimination, where all people enjoy positive mental health & wellbeing.
Lifeline
Our mission is to reduce distress and save lives by providing safe, accessible, effective, professional and innovative services.
Our free community helplines, 0800 LIFELINE and Suicide Crisis Helpline – 0508 TAUTOKO as well as our text support service HELP (4357) are answered by our highly trained team from centers in Auckland and Christchurch.
Wellbeing Support
Wellbeing Support provides resources and services to help individuals improve their mental health and well-being. Their platform offers access to support, self-care tools, and guidance, empowering people to take proactive steps toward better mental health.
Small Steps
Small Steps offers support for individuals facing mental health challenges, focusing on early intervention and prevention. Their services provide tools and resources to help people build resilience, improve well-being, and take gradual steps toward positive mental health.
Headstrong
Headstrong is an app that offers mental health support for young people, focusing on building resilience, emotional well-being, and life skills. Their services provide accessible resources, tools, and guidance to help youth manage mental health challenges and foster a positive mindset.
Mentoring
Big Brothers Big Sisters
Big Brothers Big Sisters is designed to provide young people with trustworthy adults who will listen, take an interest in them and be there in times of need.
NZ Youth Mentoring Network
NZYMN is the national hub for the youth mentoring sector in Aotearoa New Zealand. We work with organisations and practitioners to promote safe and effective practice in youth mentoring.
Raise Up - Mentoring
Raise Up NZ provides mentoring services that empower rangatahi (youth) to achieve their personal goals. Through positive, supportive relationships, their mentoring programs help young people build confidence, resilience, and life skills, fostering a sense of belonging and purpose.
Parenting Support
Family Works
Family Works is a national organisation providing social work, counselling and support for children, adolescents and their families as well as development programmes to help young people make good choices.
Kiwi Families
Kiwi Families provides one of New Zealand’s largest and most comprehensive free information websites for NZ parents. Its mission is to save parents time, effort and frustration in searching for good quality parent-related information.
Youthline
Toughlove
Toughlove is a non-profit, self-help organisation that provides ongoing education and active support to families, empowering parents and young people to accept responsibility for their actions and stop destructive behaviours.
Parent Help - Helpline
Parent Help offers a free, confidential helpline for parents and caregivers seeking support and guidance. Their trained professionals provide advice on parenting challenges, child behaviour, and family well-being, helping families navigate difficult situations with confidence.
Parenting Place - Courses
Parenting Place offers a range of courses designed to support parents and caregivers at every stage of their journey. Their programmes provide practical tools, expert advice, and a community of support to help families build strong, loving relationships.
Plunket - Parenting Help
Plunket provides trusted support and advice for parents and caregivers, offering guidance on parenting challenges, child development, and family well-being. Their resources help whānau navigate the ups and downs of parenting with confidence and care.
Triple P – Positive Parenting Programme
Triple P is an evidence-based parenting programme that provides practical strategies to help parents and caregivers build strong, healthy relationships with their children. It offers flexible support options to promote positive behaviour, resilience, and family well-being.
Special Interest Groups
Performance Net
Based in Auckland, this private company offers regular weekly classes in drama and dance which lead to professional productions, and school holiday programmes. Contact Performance Net today.
Special Needs
Parent to Parent
Parent to Parent is a support and information network for parents of children with special needs. Parent to Parent provides information and emotional support to families who have a child with a disability, special need or health impairment. There are more than 3600 different conditions covered by the service, ranging from the very common through to the rarest condition.
Disability Support Services
Disability Support Services provides information, funding options, and resources for disabled people, their whānau, and carers. They offer guidance on accessing support, enhancing independence, and improving overall well-being.
IDEA Services
IDEA Services provides support for people with intellectual disabilities, helping them live fulfilling, independent lives. They offer residential services, community support, and advocacy to empower individuals and their whānau.
NZ Community Living (NZCL)
NZ Community Living provides support services for people with disabilities, promoting independence and inclusion. They offer personalised support, residential services, and community engagement to help individuals live fulfilling lives.
Teen Help
Sparx
SPARX is an online e-therapy tool provided by the University of Auckland, and funded by the Prime Minister’s Youth Mental Health Project. SPARX is free in New Zealand. SPARX has been proven to help young people with mild to moderate depression and anxiety. It could help you or people you know.
Teenage Toolbox
Teenage Toolbox provides practical advice and resources to support parents and caregivers in guiding their teenagers through adolescence. Their tools help navigate challenges, build strong relationships, and foster positive youth development.
Work Preparation and Training
Careerforce
Careerforce is a New Zealand organisation supporting workforce training in health, aged care, disability, mental health, and social services. They offer qualifications and on-the-job training to help individuals develop skills and build meaningful careers in the care and support sectors.
Big Buddy
Big Buddy matches well-screened male mentors with fatherless boys and is currently delivered in the Auckland region.
Buddy Programme
The Buddy Programme is a preventative mentoring programme for children between the ages of 4 and 12 who are in need of additional adult support.
Skills4Work - Training
Skills4Work provides industry-recognised training and qualifications for individuals in the hospitality, retail, and service sectors. Their programmes equip learners with practical skills and knowledge to support career growth and workplace success.
Treehouse - Preparation for Work
Treehouse offers a free programme in Auckland that supports young people in preparing for the workforce. Through practical skills development, career guidance, and hands-on experiences, they help rangatahi (youth) build confidence and readiness for employment.
SENZ (Specialist Education Network NZ)
SENZ provides a range of resources, support, and services for educators and families of children with special educational needs. They offer guidance, training, and advocacy to ensure every child receives the support they need to thrive in their learning environment.
Pure Exploration - Work & Train Programme
Pure Exploration offers a unique Work & Train Programme that combines hands-on work experience with professional development. This programme helps individuals build practical skills, gain industry knowledge, and enhance employability through real-world training opportunities in the outdoor adventure sector.
Youth Counselling
I Am Hope New Zealand
I Am Hope is the youth and community focused support group run by The Key to Life Charitable Trust set up to connect kids with mental health counsellors and practitioners in their region or online, so they can get timely support, without the added stress of how to pay the bill.
Find a counsellor here
or Text or call 1737 any time, 24 hours a day. You’ll get to talk to (or text with) a trained counsellor, completely free of charge.
Kidsline
Children can call Kidsline free from anywhere in New Zealand or from any mobile phone to 0800 KIDSLINE (0800 543 754).
Youthline
A valuable source of information for youth issues, Youthline also offer a counselling service both in person and by telephone (individual and family therapy) and self-development programmes. Youth help line: 0800 37 66 33.
Home & Family
Home and Family Counselling are a community-based counselling service providing professional counselling either as a group or on an individual basis for children, youths and adults.
Gumboot Friday
Gumboot Friday is a nationwide initiative supporting young people’s mental health by providing free, confidential counselling. The organisation raises funds to ensure every young New Zealander can access professional mental health support when they need it most.
Man Alive - Youth Counselling
Man Alive offers youth counselling services designed to support young people through mental health challenges and life difficulties. Their programmes provide a safe, confidential space for rangatahi (youth) to explore their feelings, build resilience, and develop coping strategies.
Please help us keep this resource list up to date; contact us with any changes in details or if you are involved with or know of other organisations that provide help, information, advice or support to parents.