Lifestyle & Community - Community - Community Services - Wellington

There are many community services in the Wellington region, including community centres, community directories, and places where you can find counselling, support and advice.

Community Centres

There is a strong network of community centres in each part of the Wellington region. They are used by clubs, societies and community groups for classes and meetings on a vast array of subjects.

Community Directories

Each of the main councils in the Wellington region has a community directory. This is a database of all the different community organisations, services and groups that exist in the local area.

Family & Relationship Support Services

Moving to a new city or country can be challenging. There are more than 60 agencies in Wellington that offer counselling, advice and relationship services. The Wellington City Council Community Directory lists counselling services. It will help you find the most suitable agency for you.

Community Directory

Citizens Advice Bureaux

The Citizens Advice Bureau (CAB) is a free, confidential service providing information and assistance. CAB is designed to help with any legal, financial, budgeting, job-related, personal, consumer-related, or tenancy-related difficulties.

The Ethopian Women's Group at the Refugee Health & Wellbeing Forum 2005.

There are six CAB offices operating in Wellington, at Johnsonville, Aro Valley, Central City, Eastern Suburbs, Newtown and Western Suburbs. In the Hutt Valley, there are three CABs, and one each in Kapiti and Porirua. Call 0800 FOR CAB for more information or visit the website below.

Citizens Advice Bureau website

Settlement Support Services

Settlement Support New Zealand (SSNZ) is a government-funded service that helps new arrivals settle into their local community by providing easy access to available services.

The Wellington SSNZ office is based at Wellington City Council:

Address:	City Service Centre 101 Wakefield Street Wellington
Phone:	0800 776 948
Email:	settlementsupport@wcc.govt.nz

Refugee Service

The Refugee Services Aotearoa New Zealand is the agency that helps refugees settle into their new communities. Note that it does not help migrants. The agency helps to ensure the provision of services, public education and also formulates refugee policy. This non-government organisation has a small professional staff, and trains volunteers to help in its activities. To reach the Wellington office, call (04) 805 0312, or email Welllington@refugeeservices.org.nz.

Refugee Services Aotearoa New Zealand website

Community Services Card

The Community Services Card is an income-based card that entitles you to discounts on some services such as doctor visits and prescriptions. To find out if you are eligible call the Department of Work and Income on 0800 999 999 or visit your local Work and Income centre.

Community Services Card - Work and Income website