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Auckland Community services
Auckland's diverse cultural mix and can-do Kiwi attitude means that when a community service is needed, often someone starts one.
In general two types of services exist – larger national or regional organisations, and small local groups.
Transport
They may all look different, but the buses, trains and ferries that serve Auckland are all part of a single public transport system operating year round across the city.
Public transport in Auckland is managed by AT Metro. On the AT Metro website you can find out about services, timetables and fares. Also, the website's Journey Planner will help you plan trips in the region.
You can pay your fares on Auckland’s public buses, trains and ferries in cash or by using the pre-pay AT HOP smart card. The AT HOP fares are generally at least 20 per cent cheaper than paying cash for the same journey. When using your AT HOP card, you must always ‘tag on’ when you start your trip and ‘tag off’ at the end.
AT HOP smart cards can be bought online or at many locations across Auckland, including the i-Site shop located in the arrivals area of Auckland International Airport. You can add money to your AT HOP card at various stores around the area, and at the large blue Ticket and Top-up machines around Auckland, located at all train stations and at the Northern Busway Stations. A complete list can be found on the AT Metro website.
When travelling to and from the Auckland airport, the Airbus service offers an affordable way to get into the city from the airport.
AT HOP top-up locations | AT Metro
Videos about using Auckland's public transport | Youtube
Airport to city bus service | AT Metro
Shopping and hospital shuttle in Manukau | MECOSS
Parking
Car parking in Auckland is available from private parking providers as well as parking buildings owned by the council. Pay and display parking is also available on the street.
Parking at shopping malls is generally free.
Go to this Auckland Transport site to find out about parking in Auckland. For more information about private parking providers search google maps for parking in Auckland.
Driving and parking in Auckland | Auckland Transport
Parking in Auckland | Google maps
Cycling
Information for cyclists in Auckland is available on the Auckland Transport website. They have a map of cycle and walkways as well as tips on safety and events
Cycling and Walking | Auckland Transport
Carpooling and car sharing
Smart Travel is an easy way to find a carpool match, helping you to find people to share a car for your regular commute or a one-off trip. Carpool currently covers five regions: Auckland, Waikato, Taranaki, Canterbury and Wellington.
Cityhop is a self-service car share company with cars for rent by the hour, day, or the week. When you join, you are free to use the cars as often as you like for a small hourly rate or for a special daily or overnight rate.
Auckland Council
The Auckland Council is responsible for community well-being and development, environmental health and safety, infrastructure, recreation and culture, and resource management. To find information about the services your local council provides check out their website.
Tax department
You can contact New Zealand’s Inland Revenue Department (IRD) online, from their website. You can also phone them and they have several offices around Auckland you can visit in person. You’ll need to phone for an appointment first. IRD also offers an interpreter service on the phone called LanguageLine.
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 IRD website.
The Post Office
Post offices in New Zealand are called Postshops. You can find a Postshop near you, and get information about postal services and Kiwibank (the bank that New Zealand Post operates) at this website.
Postshop/Kiwibank locator | New Zealand Post
Family services
Use this directory to locate and contact support 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 and ISO capability.
Auckland | Family Services directory
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/sexual orientation. It 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
Women's refuge
A women’s organisation for women and their children, here to help prevent and stop family violence in New Zealand and to provide safety for women and children who do not feel safe to be in their own homes.
Shakti
Shakti offers a crisis call number (0800SHAKTI) and safe houses around the country for migrant and refugee women who are experiencing domestic violence.
Shakti is a national not-for-profit community organisation specialising in the area of women’s development, domestic/ family violence intervention, prevention and awareness. They provide culturally competent support services for women, children and families of Asian, African and Middle Eastern origin.
Community networks
There is a wide range of community groups operating at a local level - too many to list here. Some are only regional, others are local hubs for a national organisation. The links below connect to some of the key umbrella organisations community groups in the Auckland region.
Migrant Support Directory | Hearts and Minds
Live Lightly | Auckland community groups
Healthy Auckland Together | Communities and Community groups
Community Access Radio
Community Access Radio is a local radio station that is run by members of the community. Programmes are hosted by individuals or community groups, and are broadcast in their language about their interests. Tune in to listen, or 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 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 a variety of community groups which can help you feel more settled in. To see a listing of these, visit the CAB website.
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. Check this website for someone to talk to about Neighbourhood Support in your area.
New Zealand Police advice for new arrivals
New Zealand Police has a useful website with information about your rights in dealing with them and advice on preventing crime, plus contacts for ethnic liaison officers in your region. Information is available in 12 different languages.
Advice for new arrivals | New Zealand Police
There are 32 police stations in Auckland city, 18 in Counties Manukau (South Auckland) and 22 in Waitemata (West Auckland). Contact details are available on the Police website.
Police stations Auckland city | Police
Police stations Counties Manukau | Police
Police stations Waitemata | Police
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.
Migrant exploitation - get help | Immigration New Zealand
Civil Defence Emergency
Civil Defence are the people who help prepare for and respond to emergencies like major fires, floods, extreme weather, an earthquake or tsunami. Their website has important information on how to get ready for an emergency.
Fire service
There are around 500 fire stations spread throughout New Zealand. Use this site to find one near you, and also for general fire safety information.