NZ Crisis Support Directory
If you or someone you love is in distress, you deserve support that feels safe, respectful, and culturally grounded. This page helps you find the next step — without overwhelm.
If your brain feels overloaded, choose the smallest step that feels doable. You can come back and try another option later — there’s no “wrong” choice.
Your background, language, faith, community expectations, or past experiences can shape how safe it feels to reach out. You deserve support that meets you with respect — and you can ask for what you need (interpreter, privacy, cultural safety).
• Ask one question: “Are you safe right now?”
• Offer two choices: text or call
• One step only — then reassess.
If you need to talk to someone, start with NZ crisis numbers. If helpful, ask for an interpreter or culturally safe support where available.
If speaking is hard right now, use NZ text and chat options for support with less pressure.
If you need face-to-face help, urgent mental health services can support you. If you’re unsure where to start, use Emergency Numbers (NZ).
If you’re supporting someone else, you might feel scared, stuck, or burnt out. You deserve support too.
1) Stay present (calm voice, gentle pace).
2) Ask one clear question: “Are you safe right now?”
3) Choose one action: call, text, or urgent help.
4) Keep it small. One step, then reassess.
This is a single page with sections (not separate pages). If you need a culturally safe option, you can also ask for: an interpreter, a support person, privacy, or a calmer communication style.
Support for East Asian, Southeast Asian, and wider Asian communities. Cultural expectations, language barriers, and stigma can make it harder to reach out. You deserve care that feels respectful and safe.
Support for Indian, Pakistani, Sri Lankan, Bangladeshi, Nepali, and wider South Asian communities. Family pressure, honour-based expectations, and silence around mental health can increase distress. Confidential help is available.
Support for Middle Eastern and Arab communities. Cultural values, migration stress, and faith may shape how distress is expressed. You can ask for calm communication and culturally respectful care.
Support for African communities in Aotearoa New Zealand. Experiences of racism, isolation, or migration stress can affect wellbeing. You deserve support that listens without judgement.
Refugees and migrants may experience complex distress linked to trauma, displacement, or settlement stress. Crisis support can include emotional care and practical pathways.
Phone calls may not be accessible. Text and online chat options can be safer and more usable during crisis moments.
Support for people with physical, sensory, or intellectual disabilities who are not necessarily neurodivergent. You deserve care that respects access needs, communication preferences, and autonomy.
For some people, faith and spirituality are a key source of strength. You can seek faith-aligned or spiritually respectful support alongside clinical crisis options.
