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Taranaki information & advice
Lots of information is available for newcomers to the region, along with a range of support services.
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 Citizens Advice Bureau (CAB). It is a place where you will find someone who can provide free information, advice and support on just about any problem you may have.
Find a CAB near you | Citizens 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 offer this service:
Migrant Connections Taranaki
Migrant Connections Taranaki helps new migrants and their families to get used to the shift in culture, overcome challenges in a new country and integrate into the local community. They provide migrants ongoing support on a case by case basis with the skills, tools and networks they need.
New Settlers guides
The New Plymouth District Council and the CAB have published a guide to everything you need to know about living in New Plymouth.
A guide for new settlers| New Plymouth District Council
Venture Taranaki have published a Taranaki Lifestyle Toolkit.
Taranaki Lifestyle Toolkit | Venture Taranaki
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 free computer and internet access at all Taranaki libraries, and all have wireless internet. To find your local library, check their website.
Libraries | Puke Ariki New Plymouth
Library | Stratford District Council
LibraryPlus centres in South Taranaki | South Taranaki District Council
Visitor Information
Wondering what to do in the Taranaki region - 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.
Taranaki visitor information | Tourism New Zealand
Visit Taranaki | Venture Taranaki
Community Law Centre
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.
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. Find a registered adviser using the online register operated by the Immigration Adviser’s 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 Taranaki | CAB
Find a budgeting service | MoneyTalks
For professional advice about managing your finances, you may wish to employ a financial adviser.
Find an adviser | Financial Advice New Zealand
Parent centres
Parents Centres offer support in all areas of parenting. This 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
Toy Library Federation of New Zealand
Toy Libraries offer a range of quality toys, puzzles, games and learning activities for members to hire for a set period of time. Caters for 0 - 8 years.
Find a toy library | Toy Library Federation of New Zealand
Justice of the Peace
Justice of the Peace (JPs) can be found in most areas of Taranaki, and can assist with the witnessing of documents such as applications for citizenship, certifying copies, and taking declarations and affidavits.
Find a JP | Royal Federation of NZ Justices' Association
Small business support services
Venture Taranaki's economic development team works with individuals, businesses, clusters and industries to grow Taranaki. Check out their website to find out about the business services, tools, information and resources available from Venture Taranaki to help grow your business..
Ethnic groups
Migrant Women Meet-Friends Uniting Nations (MWM-FUN) is a newcomers' network which invites women in the Taranaki community who find themselves far from home to get together over a cup of tea. The group has formed walking groups and has held movie outings, lunches, dinners and numerous other social events. The network meets every Tuesday 11am - 12.30pm at the Community Lounge, Level 1, Puke Ariki Library, New Plymouth.
The Citizens Advice Bureau has listings of ethnic groups in Taranaki.