NZ Crisis Support Directory
In times of crisis, your wellbeing and the wellbeing of your whānau matter. This page helps you find culturally grounded crisis support options — and quick next steps — across Aotearoa.
A counselling or listening line is not the same as emergency crisis assessment. In immediate danger call 111; for an urgent mental health crisis contact your local crisis assessment team or emergency department. Hours and contact options can change — check the provider's official information.
A mental health crisis can affect an individual, their relationships and the wider whānau. You can ask whether kaupapa Māori or Māori health staff are available, request clear explanations, and talk about who you would like involved. The person's wishes, privacy, rights and immediate safety matter.
Some options are immediate (crisis lines), and others help you connect locally (iwi / kaupapa Māori services, community support, health services).
Talk to someone now. Ask for culturally safe support where available.
View NZ crisis numbers →Prefer texting or online support? Use NZ text and chat crisis options.
Go to Crisis Chat & Text →NZ urgent mental health services can support you (and your whānau).
Find local urgent support →Connecting with kaupapa Māori services can feel safer and more grounded.
Start with your region →If you’re supporting someone you love, you deserve support too.
Go to Whānau Support →Need a first step (grounding tools, calming prompts, gentle options)?
Mental Health Tools & Apps (NZ) →Choose your region to call the local mental health crisis team. If you’re not sure which one fits, call the closest region and ask to be redirected.
Tauranga / Whakatāne / Rotorua & Taupō
Christchurch / South Canterbury
These pages offer education, support and ongoing care rather than emergency response. Some specialist destinations may still be under development; immediate crisis contacts remain above.
For families, educators, support workers and professionals, choose the most relevant age and audience pathway. Information pages do not replace urgent professional assessment.