Support available
Where to get help
Helpline services are available across New Zealand that offer information and support.
All the services listed here are available 24 hours a day, seven days a week unless otherwise specified.
If your life or the life of someone you know is immediately at risk, call 111.
National helplines
1737 – Need to talk? Free call or text 1737 anytime for support from a trained counsellor.
Lifeline – 0800 543 354 (0800 LIFELINE) or free text 4357 (HELP).
Suicide Crisis Helpline – 0508 828 865 (0508 TAUTOKO).
Samaritans – 0800 726 666
Rural Support Trust - 0800 787 254 (0800 RURAL HELP)
Help for Deaf and hard-of-hearing people
NZ Relay - helps users to connect with services over the phone.
NZ Police 111TXT - Register with the New Zealand Police for the 111TXT service.
Help for children, young people and their families
WHATSUP children's helpline - phone 0800 9428 787 between 1pm and 10pm on weekdays and from 3pm to 10pm on weekends. Online chat is available from 7pm to 10pm every day.
Youthline – 0800 376 633, free text 234 or email talk@youthline.co.nz or online chat.
thelowdown.co.nz – Free text 5626 or team@thelowdown.co.nz. A space created with rangatahi for rangatahi.
Parent Help – 0800 568 856. For parents and whānau seeking support, advice, and practical strategies. Anonymous, non-judgemental and confidential.
Skylight – 0800 299 100 for support through trauma, loss and grief; 9am–5pm weekdays.