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Northland Community services
Living as they do in a relatively rural region, Northlanders are good at offering a helpful word and generally supporting people in their communities.
Regional and District Councils
Northland has one regional council which takes care of key activities that concern the whole region, and three district councils that manage more local tasks.
Among other things, Northland Regional Council is responsible for harbours, land management, regional economic development, transport, environmental planning and monitoring, flood protection and water management, pollution control, biosecurity including regional environmental education and public information.
The Whangarei, Far North and Kaipara District councils look after rubbish, recycling and landfills, water restrictions, libraries, sports grounds and swimming pools, events and leisure.
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 Northland 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 in the Northland region 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.
Northland | Family Services directory
OUTLineNZ
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 OUTLineNZ for free 0800 688 5463
Community groups
To find out about the wide range of community groups operating in Northland, either talk to the Citizens Advice Bureau or consult their website, which will allow you to search for the sort of organisation you want.
CAB locations in Northland | CAB
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.
Safety
Neighbourhood support contacts
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. There is also a link to some information for newcomers in simplified Chinese.
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
Police contacts
There are over 20 Police stations around the Northland region. Use this site to find one near you.
Find Police stations | New Zealand 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.
Civil Defence Emergency information
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.
Civil defence | Northland Regional Council
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.
Regions | New Zealand Fire Service
Women's refuge
If you are a woman and need information or help from Women's Refuge, use this site to find out who you can call
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.
Transport
Driving times and distances
The leading motorists’ organisation in New Zealand, the Automobile Association, has an online driving time and distance calculator to help you plan your travel around Northland and New Zealand.
New Zealand driving time and distance calculator | AA
Public Transport
A certain amount of public transport is available in Northland provided mainly by buses. Check Northland Regional Council’s website for more information.
Transport | Northland Regional Council
Parking in Whangarei
If you live in Whangarei, or you’re coming to the city to shop or visit, the district council provides a range of on-street parking and pay-and-display car parks. Off street parking is available in the major retail shopping areas away from the city centre and in some local shopping areas. Check the website for full information.