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Waikato Information & advice
A good range of information and support services is available for migrants in Waikato, particularly in the main city of Hamilton.
Regional and district councils
The regional and district councils in the Waikato region are responsible for community well-being and development, environmental health and safety, infrastructure, recreation and culture, and resource management. To find information about the services the local councils provide check out their website.
Support and information services
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 information, advice and support on just about any problem you may have.
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:
New Settlers guides
The Hamilton City Council have published a guide to everything you need to know about living in Hamilton.
Hamilton New Settlers Guide | Hamilton City Council (pdf, 1.5mb)
Settlement Centre Waikato
The Centre is home to a number of agencies who work independently or collaboratively to assist migrants, newcomers, employers, groups and the local community. Check their website for more details.
Hamilton City Council Ethnic Advisory Services
Hamilton City Council employs an ethnic development advisor who promotes the awareness and well-being of the city's many ethnic communities. Among other duties, the advisor publishes the Hamilton New Settlers Guide.
Hamilton City Council Ethnic Advisory Services | Hamilton City Council
Hamilton New Settlers Guide | Hamilton City Council (pdf, 1.5mb)
Waikato Ethnic Family Services Trust
The Waikato Ethnic Family Services Trust was set up in in 2010 to be a representative voice for Waikato's Middle Eastern community and other ethnic communities. Among other things, the trust organises workshops, cooking classes, driving lessons, budgeting advice and youth forums for the benefit of its members.
Waikato Ethnic Family Services Trust | Waikato Ethnic Families Trust
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.
Waikato Multicultural Council
Waikato Multicultural Council run classes, workshops and seminars on a range of topics including English language. They also arrange cultural events like the Waikato Multicultural Day Celebrations. Like their Facebook page for news of the latest events.
Waikato Multicultural Council Facebook
Local Libraries
Local libraries are always a good place to go to find information about activities in your local community. And of course they have hundreds of books, eBooks, CDs and DVDs you can borrow.
For the location of your local library, check the website of your district council or visit these sites.
Locations & hours | Waikato District Libraries
Locations & hours | Hamilton City Library
Locations & hours | Taupo District Libraries
Cultural groups
Waikato has a number of groups representing a wide range of ethnic groups in the area. Check them out on the Citizen's Advice Bureau (CAB) site.
Waikato Multicultural groups | CAB
Visitor information
Wondering what to do in your region - what attractions to see, adventures to try, routes to take? The 100% New Zealand site has all the information you need, plus help with travelling further afield in New Zealand including finding transport and accommodation.
Waikato visitor information centres | Tourism New Zealand
Taupo visitor information centres | Tourism New Zealand
Community law office
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.
Find a centre | Community Law Centre
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 advisor. There are a number of licensed advisors in Waikato. Find them using the online register operated by the Immigration Advisers Authority.
Find an advisor | Immigration Advisers Authority
Find an immigration lawyer | 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 National Building Financial Capability Charitable Trust has a list of local budgeting services and their contact details.
Find a budgeting service | National Building Financial Capability Charitable Trust
Community Houses
Community houses operate as drop-in centres. as delivery points for community services and as meeting venues.
Waikato community houses | 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. There are Parents Centres in Hamilton, Cambridge, Putaruru, Otorahanga, Morrinsville and Thames. Look on the Parents centre website for contact details.