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Bay of Plenty Information & advice
A good range of information and support services is available for newcomers to the Bay of Plenty, particularly in the main cities of Tauranga and Rotorua.
Looking for general information?
Immigration New Zealand - Information for new migrants
Immigration New Zealand offers a free information service for all new migrants available throughout the country.
You can call the Immigration New Zealand Contact Centre on:
Freephone: 0508 558 855 (NZ landline only)
From overseas or a mobile phone: +64 9 914 4100
Email: newmigrantinfo@mbie.govt.nz
Information in YOUR language
Sometimes, to be sure you understand, it can be helpful to have something repeated in your first language.
Language Assistance Services (LAS) is a free government service available in over 300 languages, that you can use for talking to any participating government agency - including, very soon, your local Citizens Advice Bureau (CAB).
This includes phone and video interpreting, and is available "24/7" - 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
For more about LAS including a list of the participating agencies see our Help in your language page - or contact your local CAB.
Citizens Advice Bureau (CAB)
Cities and most towns across New Zealand have a local Citizen's Advice Bureau (CAB). It is a place where you will find someone who can provide information, advice and support on just about any problem you may have.
Bay of Plenty | Citizen's Advice Bureau
Migrant Connect information service
For newcomers to New Zealand, selected Citizens Advice Bureaux (CAB) provide a walk-in information service. You probably have lots of questions about how things work here. CAB can help or provide you with information on where to find the answers.
As well as helping with your settlement queries, CAB run information sessions for new migrants on relevant settlement topics.
The following CABs provide this service:
Newcomers Network
Many areas offer a service called the ‘Newcomers network’. Each network works slightly differently, but they’re all great ways to meet new people, find out about local events and get connected with your local community. If there’s not one in your area, the national body will give you all the help and support you need to start one.
Bay of Plenty | Newcomers' network
Multicultural New Zealand
Multicultural Tauranga and Rotorua provide services for migrants in the Bay of Plenty. They have coffee mornings, English conversation groups and an interpreting and translation service. Check out their websites and connect with their Facebook page for news of the latest events.
Local libraries
Local libraries, run by local councils, are always a good place to go to find information about activities in your community. And of course they have hundreds of books, eBooks, CDs and DVDs you can borrow. There is commonly also free internet access at most libraries and some have wireless internet.
For the location of your local library, check their website.
Locations & hours | Tauranga City Library
Visitor information
Wondering what to do in the Bay of Plenty - what attractions to see, adventures to try, routes to take? The Tourism New Zealand site has all the information you need, plus help with travelling further afield in New Zealand including finding transport and accommodation. Visitor information centres (i-sites) can be found in the larger centres in the Bay of Plenty.
Bay of Plenty visitor information | Tourism New Zealand
Rotorua visitor information | Tourism New Zealand
Tauranga visitor information | Tourism New Zealand
Community Law centres
If you need legal assistance, you can start with your local Community Law Centre. They have lawyers and advocates who can give you initial legal help so you can deal with the issue quickly, which may be free depending on your ability to pay. They may also be able to represent you in courts or tribunals.
Bay of Plenty | Baywide Community Law
Tauranga & Whakātane | Community Law Centre
Rotorua | Community Law Centre
Cultural Groups
Bay of Plenty has a number of groups representing a wide range of ethnic groups in the area. Check them out on the CAB site.
Bay of Plenty multicultural groups | CAB
Immigration advice
If you need help with an immigration matter, you should talk either to a lawyer experienced in the field or to a licensed immigration adviser. There are a number of licensed advisers in the Bay of Plenty area. Find them using the online register operated by the Immigration Advisers Authority.
Find an adviser | Immigration Advisers Authority
Find an immigration lawyer | New Zealand Law Society
Budget and financial services
If you’re facing financial difficulties, you may need assistance with creating a personalised budget or advice from a financial advisor. They can give you tools, knowledge and advice to help you manage your money better. You may also find answers to your money questions on the Sorted website.
There is a range of budgeting help found in the Citizens Advice Bureau (CAB) directory.
The New Zealand Federation of Budgeting Services maintains a list of its professional members and their contact details.
Budget services Tauranga | CAB
Parent centres
Parents Centres offer support in all areas of parenting. That includes helping parents develop practical skills in baby and toddler care to preparing for the school years, and crisis help. To find your nearest Parents Centre look on their website.
Locations | Parent Centres New Zealand
Chamber of Commerce
There are 29 Chambers across New Zealand which actively work with local business to promote, support and encourage sustainable, profitable business growth. Local Chambers also advocacy, support services, training and networking events.
Find a Chamber | New Zealand Chambers of Commerce
Rotaract Clubs
Rotaract is for young professionals aged 18 to 35 who get out into the community, network and have fun.
Justice of the Peace
Justice of the Peace (JPs) can be found in most areas of Bay of Plenty and the wider area, and can assist with the witnessing of documents such as applications for citizenship, certifying copies, and taking declarations, affidavits and affirmations.
Find a JP | Royal Federation of NZ Justices' Association
Bay of Plenty Chinese Business and Commerce Association
Bay of Plenty Chinese Business & Commerce Association is a non-profit organisation established to help Chinese businesses. They can provide help in things like taxes, legal services, investment services, etc. as well as being a place where Chinese business people can network and support each other.