Interested in coming to New Zealand?
Sign up to receive relevant job opportunities from New Zealand employers and practical advice on how to make your move to New Zealand a reality.
West Coast Information & advice
A good range of information and support services are available on the West Coast, particularly in the largest town Greymouth.
Looking for general information?
These can help with finding housing, sports clubs, social services, employment, education and health 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 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.
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 Advisers Authority.
Find an adviser | Immigration Advisers Authority
Find an immigration lawyer | New Zealand Law Society
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 local libraries, check the website.
Newcomers Network
Many areas offer a service called the ‘Newcomers Network’. Each network works slightly differently, but they are all great ways to meet new people, find out about local events and get connected with your local community. If there is not one in your area, the national body will give you all the help and support you need to start one.
West Coast | Newcomers Network
Visitor Information
Wondering what to do on the West Coast - 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.
West Coast 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, 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
Budget and financial services
If you are 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.
Greymouth Budgeting Service | Salvation Army
Budget services West Coast | CAB
Find a budgeting service | National Building Financial Capability Charitable Trust
Parents 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.
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.
West Coast Toy Libraries | Toy Library Federation of New Zealand