Hawkes Bay Crisis Support
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Immediate help in Taranaki
If someone may harm themselves or someone else, call 111, go to the nearest emergency department, or contact the local mental health crisis team.
Taranaki crisis support
Taranaki urgent mental health support is available through the local crisis response pathway, including after-hours urgent assessment and support for people experiencing acute distress or immediate mental health concerns.
Key local contacts
Taranaki urgent mental health support: 0800 775 222
1737 call or text support: 1737
Emergency: 111
Find local support by area
Taranaki communities are grouped below so local support is easier to find.
New Plymouth
For New Plymouth and surrounding communities.
- Emergency: 111
- Taranaki crisis support: 0800 775 222
- 1737 for free call or text support
Waitara
For Waitara and nearby communities.
- Emergency: 111
- Taranaki crisis support: 0800 775 222
- Use GP, after-hours, or emergency department if urgent
Stratford
For Stratford and surrounding communities.
- Emergency: 111
- Taranaki crisis support: 0800 775 222
- 1737 if speaking or texting feels easier
Hāwera
For Hāwera and South Taranaki communities.
- Emergency: 111
- Taranaki crisis support: 0800 775 222
- Distance and service pathways may vary locally
Ōpunake
For Ōpunake and nearby coastal communities.
- Emergency: 111
- Taranaki crisis support: 0800 775 222
- 1737 for emotional support anytime
Rural Taranaki
For smaller rural communities where distance may affect support access.
- Emergency: 111
- Taranaki crisis support: 0800 775 222
- Use local urgent health or emergency pathways if needed
Lower-pressure support options
Some people need quieter options before they can make a phone call. Lower-pressure support can include texting 1737, asking someone to stay nearby, writing down what is happening, or asking a trusted person to help explain the situation.
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 reduce pressure, help with transport, or support the call.
Write down key details
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.
Māori & kaupapa support
Cultural safety, whānau involvement, and trusted community connections can be important parts of support.
LGBTQIA+ support
Identity-safe support matters when crisis is linked to safety, belonging, gender, sexuality, or rejection.
Rural access support
Transport, distance, 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 local crisis support, 1737, or emergency services depending on urgency.
3. Plan follow-up
After the immediate crisis, consider GP follow-up, community support, peer support, whānau support, or practical support.