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Wellington information & advice
As the capital and one of New Zealand's most culturally diverse cities, Wellington offers migrants a wide range of information and support 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
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. CAB also run workshops, including Migrant Connect workshops to help you settle in to New Zealand.
Find the office nearest 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 CABs listed below provide this service.
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. There is commonly also free internet access at most libraries and some have wireless internet.
For information about the local libraries in the Wellington region, check out these websites.
Branches | Wellington City Library
Visit a library | Hutt City Library
Locations & hours | Porirua Library
Kapiti Coast District Libraries | Kapiti Coast District Council
Masterton District Council Library and Wairarapa Archive | Masterton District Council
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.
Wellington/Wairarapa region | Newcomers Network
Rotaract Clubs
Rotaract is for young professionals aged 18 to 35 who get out and volunteer in the community, network and have fun.
Visitor Information
Wondering what to do in your 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.
Wellington visitor information | Tourism New Zealand
Wairarapa visitor information | Tourism New Zealand
Porirua visitor information | Tourism New Zealand
Kapiti Coast visitor information centres | Kapiti Coast District Council
Lower Hutt visitor information | Tourism New Zealand
Upper Hutt 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. This services may be free, depending on your ability to pay. They may also be able to represent you in courts or tribunals.
Wellington and Hutt Valley | Community Law Centre
Wairarapa | Community Law Centre
Whitireia (Porirua) | Community Law Centre
Cultural groups
Wellington 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.
Wellington 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. Find an advisor 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 options listed in the CAB directory.
The National Building Financial Capability Charitable Trust has a list of local budgeting services and their contact details.
Budget services Wellington region | CAB
Find a Budgeting service | National Building Financial Capability Charitable Trust
Justice of the Peace
Justice of the Peace (JPs) can be found in most areas of Wellington 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
Parent centres
Parents Centres offer support in all areas of parenting, from 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.