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Waikato community services
The rural farmers' culture of helping one another runs deep in the Waikato. So there are a good range of community support services available.
Looking for general community services information?
Public/government services
Tax department
You can contact Inland Revenue (IR) online, by phone or in person in several locations in the Waikato region. For a personal appointment contact IR first by phone.
Everyone moving to New Zealand permanently will need a tax number, called an IRD number. This is a 8-9 digit code that is unique to you. Find out more on the IR website.
NZ Post
Use the following link to find your nearest PostShop or Kiwibank. You can also find other information about postal services here.
Family services
Use the following directories to locate and contact support in the Waikato for services relating to:
- addiction
- basic needs
- disaster recovery
- education and training
- employment
- ethnic services
- family violence
- health
- mentors
- legal and civil services
- mental health
- parenting and caregiving
- special needs and disability
- youth services
- ISO capability.
Family Services Waikato | Family Services directory
Family Services Taupo | Regional family services directory
Waikato services | Citizens Advice Bureau - add a keyword for the service you need, eg Waikato addiction, Waikato parenting
OUTLine NZ
OUTLineNZ is a free, nationwide specialist helpline and counselling service offering support for Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender (LGBT) people, and for people questioning their gender identity or sexual orientation. OUTLineNZ is staffed by trained volunteers, and qualified counsellors also offer affordable face to face counselling at OUTLineNZ’s Auckland office or via skype.
Phone for free 0800 688 5463
Community networks
Residents and progressive associations
Use the following link to find information about community groups in South Waikato and Taupo.
Community Access Radio
Community Access Radio is a local radio station that is run by members of the community. Programmes about their interests are hosted by individuals or community groups and are broadcast in their language. Tune in to listen, or make a plan to broadcast your own show.
New Zealand Newcomers Network
The New Zealand Newcomers Network is a network of groups throughout New Zealand welcoming newcomers and offering a range of fun social events and activities. The events are a great way to meet new people, find out about local activities and get connected with your local community. Anyone can join and membership is free.
Community settlement services
There are many community groups that can help you feel more settled in New Zealand. See the Citizen's Advice Bureau (CAB) website for a list. The Hamilton City Council also provides an advisory service.
Ethnic Advisory Services | Hamilton City Council
Safety
Neighbourhood support contacts
Neighbourhood Support aims to make our homes and communities safer and more caring places in which to live.
Neighbourhood Support Groups work together and with the Police and other community organisations to reduce crime, improve safety and prepare for emergencies and natural disasters. Use the following link to find someone to talk to about Neighbourhood Support in your area.
New Zealand Police advice for new arrivals
The following link has information about the Police and crime prevention advice for newcomers in 12 different languages.
Police contacts
Use the following site to find out where your nearest police station is and the name of the Pacific and ethnic liaison officer for this region.
Labour Inspectorate - migrant exploitation
Labour inspectors work with employers and employees to make sure that employment laws are applied properly in workplaces.
If you think that you have not been treated fairly at work, you can contact Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment (MBIE) Labour inspectors on 0800 20 90 20.
Civil Defence Emergency information
You can find important information about what to do in an emergency on your local Civil Defence website.
The New Zealand Government created the Get Ready website with information about what to do in many types emergency.
Fire Emergency
Use the following link to find out about your local Fire Emergency service.
Find a station | Fire Emergency New Zealand
Women's Refuge
If you are a woman and need information or help from Women's Refuge, use the following link to find out who you can call. Women's refuge also have a crisis line to call for information and support 0800 733 843.
Shama provide culturally competent support services for women, children and families of Asian, African and Middle Eastern origin. They are a local organisation specialising in the area of women's development, domestic violence intervention, prevention and awareness.
Shakti offers a crisis call number (0800SHAKTI) and safe houses around the country for migrant and refugee women who are experiencing domestic violence.
The Citizens Advice Bureau has a list of other places that will offer you support.
Transport
The Waikato Regional Council's transport page has an overview and links to the key transport options available in the Waikato. The council also contracts and provides bus services in Hamilton city and for some of the region's communities. Information on these services is available on the BUSIT website.
BUSIT | Waikato Regional Council
Waikato Transport Overview | Waikato Regional Council
Cycling
Use the following links to find information about cycling around Hamilton.
Hamilton cycleways and walkways | Hamilton Council
Cycle trails in Hamilton | Hamilton Waikato
Parking
Use the following Council websites to find out about parking in Hamilton and Taupo.