Otago Community services

Access to community organisations and service is good across the region, particularly in Dunedin.
Looking for general community services information?
 

Services are delivered either by small local groups or through branches of larger national or regional organisations. 

Local Council Services

For many services your best first choice is to check or inquire with the local council nearest you.

Dunedin City Council

Queenstown Lakes District Council

Public/Government services

Tax department

You can contact Inland Revenue (IR) online, by phone or in person in several locations across the Otago region.  For a personal appointment contact IR first by phone. 

Everyone moving to New Zealand permanently will need a tax number, called an IRD number. This is a 8-9 digit code that is unique to you. Find out more on the IRD website.

Contact us | Inland Revenue

IRD numbers | Inland Revenue

NZ Post

To find your nearest postshop or Kiwibank use this site. You can also find other information about postal services here

Postshop/Kiwibank locator

Family services

Use this directory to locate and contact support in the Otago region for services relating to addiction, basic needs, disaster recovery, education and training, employment, ethnic services, family violence, health, mentors, legal and civil services, mental health, parenting and caregiving, special needs and disability, youth services and ISO capability.

Family Services Otago | Family Services directory

Youthline

To find your nearest Youthline contact use this site.  You can also find other information about what's available for Youth here.

Youthline Otago

OUTLine NZ

OUTLineNZ  is a free, nationwide specialist helpline and  counselling service offering support for Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender (LGBT) people and for people questioning their gender identity/sexual orientation.  It is staffed by trained volunteers, and qualified counsellors also offer affordable face to face counselling at OUTLineNZ’s  Auckland office or via skype.

Phone for free 0800 688 5463

OUTLineNZ

Community networks

See these sites for contact information for community groups in the region.

Community groups | Queenstown Lakes District Council

Community Access Radio

Community Access Radio is a local radio station that is run by members of the community. Programmes are hosted by individuals or community groups, and are broadcast in their language about their interests. Tune in to listen, or plan to broadcast your own show.

Otago Access Radio 105.4 FM

New Zealand Newcomers Network

The New Zealand Newcomers Network is a network of groups throughout New Zealand welcoming newcomers and offering range of fun social events and activities. The events are a great way to meet new people, find out about local activities, and get connected with your local community. Anyone can join – and membership is free.

Otago | Newcomers Network 

Safety

Neighbourhood support contacts

Check this website to find a neighbourhood support group in your area. There is also a link to some information for newcomers in simplified Chinese.

Neighbourhood support

An Otago Neighbourhood Support site is under development.

Otago Neighbourhood Support

New Zealand Police advice for new arrivals

On this site you will find information about the Police and crime prevention advice for newcomers in 12 different languages.

Police - new arrivals

Police contacts

Use this site to find out where your nearest police station is and the name of the Pacific and ethnic liaison officer for this region.

NZ Police Communities

Fire service

Find out about your local fire service by using this site.

Otago Fire Stations | NZ Fire Service

Women's refuge

If you are a woman and need information or help from Women's Refuge use this site to find out who you can call.

Get help | Women's Refuge national site

Shakti

Shakti offers a crisis call number (0800SHAKTI) and safe houses around the country for migrant and refugee women who are experiencing domestic violence.

Shakti is a national not-for-profit community organisation specialising in the area of women’s development, domestic/ family violence intervention, prevention and awareness. They provide culturally competent support services for women, children and families of Asian, African and Middle Eastern origin.

Shakti New Zealand 

Jigsaw Central Lakes

Jigsaw Central Lakes helps many people affected by violence to improve their lives by creating safer homes. They also work with offenders that want to change their behaviours and improve their family and individual situation.

Contact Jigsaw on 0508 440 255 to safely discuss your options.

Jigsaw Central Lakes

Labour Inspectorate - migrant exploitation

Labour inspectors work with employers and employees to make sure that employment laws are applied properly in workplaces. 

If you think that you have not been treated fairly at work, you can contact Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment (MBIE) Labour inspectors on 0800 20 90 20.

Labour inspectors | MBIE 

Civil Defence Emergency information

Check for important local information about what to do in an emergency from the civil defence site nearest you. 

The New Zealand Government created the Get Ready website with information about what to do in many types emergencies.

Otago civil defence | Civil Defence E.M.G.

Dunedin civil defence | Dunedin City Council

Queenstown civil defence | Queenstown Lakes District Council

Get Ready

Transport

The Otago regional council have links to transport strategy and planning and local services, from this page.

Transport plans & services | Otago Regional Council

Bus service

The public bus services in Dunedin is run by Otago Regional Council. See their website for routes, timetables and fares. In Queenstown, the public bus service is run by Connectabus.

Dunedin Bus info | Otago Regional Council

Queenstown public transportation | Queenstown Lakes District Council

Cycling

For information about cycling in Dunedin go to this council site.

Cycling information | Dunedin City Council

Parking

Go to this council site to find out about parking in Dunedin

Dunedin parking | Dunedin City Council

Go to this council site to find out about parking in Queenstown Lakes.

Queenstown Lakes parking | Queenstown Lakes District Council

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