Manawatū–Whanganui Crisis Support
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Immediate help in Manawatū / Whanganui
If someone may harm themselves or someone else, call 111, go to the nearest emergency department, or contact the local mental health crisis team.
Regional crisis teams
Manawatū / Whanganui covers several communities, so the best crisis pathway may depend on where the person is located. Use emergency services if there is immediate danger, or contact the regional crisis support pathway for urgent mental health help.
Find local support by area
These local areas can stay inside one regional page for now, so people can find the right starting point without needing lots of extra pages.
Palmerston North
For Palmerston North and nearby Manawatū communities.
- Emergency: 111
- Palmerston North crisis support: 0800 653 357
- 1737 for free call or text support
Whanganui
For Whanganui and surrounding communities.
- Emergency: 111
- Whanganui crisis support: 0800 653 358
- Nearest emergency department if immediate safety support is needed
Horowhenua
For Levin, Foxton, Shannon and nearby areas.
- Emergency: 111
- Use regional crisis support or nearest urgent health pathway
- 1737 if speaking or texting feels easier
Tararua
For Dannevirke, Pahiatua, Woodville and nearby communities.
- Emergency: 111
- Use regional crisis support or local health pathway if urgent
- 1737 for lower-pressure emotional support
Rangitīkei
For Marton, Bulls, Taihape and nearby communities.
- Emergency: 111
- Use nearest urgent health or hospital pathway if safety is a concern
- 1737 for free call or text support
Ruapehu
For Taumarunui, Ohakune, Raetihi and nearby rural communities.
- Emergency: 111
- Use local urgent health pathways where available
- 1737 for emotional support anytime
Lower-pressure support options
Crisis support does not always have to start with a phone call. Some people may need quieter, lower-pressure ways to communicate what is happening.
Call or text 1737
Useful when someone needs to talk or text with a trained support person.
Ask someone to stay nearby
A trusted person can help reduce pressure, help with transport, or sit nearby while support is contacted.
Write down what is happening
Helpful notes include location, immediate risks, medication, support people, and what feels hard right now.
Support for different needs
Some people need crisis support that is identity-safe, neurodivergent-friendly, culturally safe, youth-friendly, disability-accessible, or whānau-aware.
Youth & teens
Use simple language, reduce pressure, offer choices, and involve safe adults where appropriate.
Parents, carers & whānau
Supporters may need guidance too when someone they care about is unsafe or overwhelmed.
Neurodivergent people
Lower stimulation, clear choices, written options, and extra processing time can make support safer.
LGBTQIA+ support
Identity-safe support matters when crisis is linked to safety, belonging, gender, sexuality, or rejection.
Cultural & community support
People may need culturally safe pathways, whānau-centred support, or trusted community connections.
Rural access support
Transport, distance, phone access, and local service availability may affect how someone gets help.
What to do next
When someone is distressed, the next step does not need to be perfect. Start with safety, reduce immediate risks, stay connected, and contact the most appropriate support.
1. Check immediate safety
If there is danger now, call 111 or go to the nearest emergency department.
2. Contact crisis support
Use the regional crisis number, 1737, or emergency services depending on urgency.
3. Plan follow-up
After the immediate crisis, consider GP follow-up, community support, peer support, or practical support.