NZ Government Content

Directory

Contact information for some organisations talked about in this guide.

ACC

ACC can help you if you are injured or support someone who has been injured and needs short- or long-term care. Information about ACC can be found at www.acc.co.nz in a range of languages. Some of ACC's printed information is also available in languages other than English.

  • Visit www.acc.co.nz
  • Call 0800 101 996. ACC has interpreters who can help you
  • If you're deaf, you can contact ACC on deaf@acc.co.nz or fax 0800 332 354
  • ACC branches are listed in the "Government department contacts" section of the phone book

Accessable

Accessable provides equipment and modifications throughout Auckland and Northland, on behalf of the Ministry of Health.

Carers New Zealand

Carers New Zealand is a national charitable trust that provides information and support to family, whānau and aiga carers. It is also the secretariat for the New Zealand Carers Alliance.

Department of Building and Housing

Tenancy advice and information.

Department of Labour

For general queries on employment, pay, holidays and leave:

Disability Information Centres

Disability Information Centres are locally based. They offer advice, information and referral services.

  • Visit www.weka.net.nz
  • Call 0800 NZFDIC (0800 693 342) to find the one nearest you

Enable New Zealand

Enable New Zealand provides equipment and modifications throughout New Zealand (with the exception of Auckland and Northland), on behalf of the Ministry of Health.

Family Services National Directory

The Family Services National Directory is an online tool that connects people with help and support. As a carer, you will find this directory useful when you need local support, advice or networks. Visit the website to see what's available in your region.

Health and Disability Commissioner

The Health and Disability Commissioner's role is to promote and protect the rights of those using health and disability services.

The Health and Disability Commission website has information in a range of languages.

  • Visit www.hdc.org.nz
  • Auckland - Call TTY (09) 373 1060
  • Wellington - Call (04) 494 7900
  • Other areas - Call TTY 0800 11 22 33
  • Fax (09) 373 1061
  • Email hdc@hdc.org.nz
  • PO Box 1791, Auckland

Housing New Zealand

Help with finding a suitable home.

You'll find a list of offices on the website.

Inland Revenue

Information about Working for Families and other tax benefits:

  • Visit the "individuals and families" section of www.ird.govt.nz
  • Call 0800 227 773
  • Deaf Link free fax 0800 621 621

Ministry of Education, Special Education

Information about Ministry of Education, Group Special Education (GSE) funding and services:

  • Talk to your child's teacher or principal
  • Visit http://www.minedu.govt.nz/NZEducation/EducationPolicies/SpecialEducation.aspx
  • Call your nearest Ministry of Education, Special Education office (listed on the above website)
  • Call the Special Education Information Line 0800 622 222
  • If you already have a relationship with a Needs Assessment and Service Co-ordination (NASC) organisation, you can also talk to them

Ministry of Health

Information about Ministry of Health:

  • Visit www.moh.govt.nz
  • Auckland - Call (09) 580 9000
  • Hamilton - Call (07) 858 7000
  • Wellington - Call (04) 496 2000
  • Christchurch - Call (03) 372 1000
  • Dunedin - Call (03) 474 8040

Nationwide Advocacy Service

(Through the Health and Disability Commissioner's Office.)

Needs Assessment and Service Co-ordination (NASC) Organisations

You need an assessment from a NASC organisation to get most health and disability support services funded by the Ministry of Health or a District Health Board.

Younger people (under 65 years)

You can find a list of NASCs for younger people at the Ministry of Health website www.moh.govt.nz/disability or phone the Ministry of Health's disability number 0800 DSD MOH (0800 373 664).

Older people (aged over 65 years and people aged 50-64 years who have similar needs)

You can find a list of NASCs for older people at www.moh.govt.nz/olderpeople or call your local District Health Board or your local hospital and ask to talk to the NASC team for older people.

People with mental health, alcohol or other drug issues

For mental health NASCs (or a similar type of service), call your local mental health service at your local District Health Board.

Your doctor or another health professional can also tell you how to contact a NASC organisation.

New Zealand Carers Alliance

The New Zealand Carers Alliance is a coalition of more than 45 national non-profit organisations seeking progress for family carers. Contact through Carers New Zealand.

Veterans' Affairs New Zealand

Work and Income

Often the financial support available to you as a carer or to the person you care for is provided by Work and Income.

Work and Income provides financial support for people in need. With its help, you or the person you support can move towards a more independent lifestyle and become more active in your community. Work and Income can help you plan for and move into training or paid work when you're ready.

Contacting Work and Income

Work and Income can talk with you in different languages (Arabic, Cantonese, Farsi, Hindi, Mandarin, Māori, Punjabi, Samoan, Somali, Tongan etc). Please ask if you want to speak to someone in a language other than English.

  • Call 0800 559 009 for General information
  • Call 0800 552 002 for New Zealand Superannuation information
  • Visit www.workandincome.govt.nz for more information - including 0800 phone numbers in other languages
  • If you are deaf or find it hard to talk on the phone, you can send a message to the Deaf Link free fax on 0800 621 621 or email MSD_Deaf_Services@msd.govt.nz

Stay in contact with Work and Income

It's important to tell Work and Income about any changes that might affect your payments, like if you start paid work or your family situation changes. Work and Income can then make sure you're getting the right amount of money and you don't miss out on any extra help.

Help and support for carers

The New Zealand Carers Alliance is a coalition of 45 national non-profit organisations seeking progress for family carers.

Carers New Zealand is a national charitable trust that provides information and support to family, whānau and aiga carers. It is also the Secretariat for the New Zealand Carers Alliance.

Go to www.carers.net.nz for more information or call 0800 777 797

This booklet is also available from Work and Income 0800 559 009