Helplines and Support Services in New Zealand
Have you seen something online that upset, shocked or made you feel uncomfortable, and you’re not sure who to talk to? If you, or someone you know, is struggling with mental health, online harm, discrimination, or family violence, there are many organisations and helplines in Aotearoa that can provide support.
Exposure to harmful or distressing content, whether online, in media, or in your community, can be challenging, especially for people who have experienced trauma or difficult life events
This guide explains who to contact, what they do, and how they can help.
If you’re unsure who to contact, a good starting point is Netsafe for online harm, or 1737 for mental health support or Youthline for rangatahi support. All three can guide you to the most appropriate service.
If someone is in immediate danger of harming themselves or others, please call 111.
Quick Tips for Using Helplines
- You can call, text, or chat online depending on the service.
- Emergency situations: always dial 111.
- Be honest about what’s happening. The more detail you give, the better support you’ll get.
- If a service isn’t available, call another helpline, many services coordinate with each other.
- Exposure to harmful content is valid; it’s okay to ask for help even if you haven’t experienced direct abuse.
- Helplines can help you plan what to say to someone you trust.
Netsafe
What they do:
Netsafe helps people deal with online harm, bullying, harassment, and image-based abuse. They provide confidential advice and guidance on removing content or posts that might be about you or directed at you.
How to contact:
0508 NETSAFE (0508 638 723)
netsafe.org.nz
Take It Down
What they do:
Take It Down helps people remove sexual images or videos shared without consent. They guide you through reporting content safely to prevent further harm.
How to contact:
takeitdown.org.nz
Rainbow Youth
What they do:
Rainbow Youth supports LGBTIQ+ rangatahi with advice, counselling, peer support, and community connections.
How to contact:
0800 539 639
rainbowyouth.org.nz
InsideOUT
What they do:
InsideOUT works with schools and youth services to create safe, inclusive spaces for rainbow young people.
How to contact:
insideout.org.nz
OutLine Aotearoa
What they do:
Outline Aotearoa provides mental health and wellbeing support for queer and trans people, including counselling, peer support, and connections to community resources.
How to contact:
0800 688 5463
outline.org.nz
Lifeline
What they do:
Lifeline provides 24/7 crisis support, listening, and suicide prevention.
How to contact:
0800 543 354
lifeline.org.nz
1737 – Need to Talk?
What they do:
A free, confidential counselling service available 24/7, including support for stress, anxiety, distress, or being triggered by harmful content.
How to contact:
1737
1737.org.nz
Youthline
What they do:
Youthline offers support and counselling for young people, including phone, text, and online chat.
How to contact:
0800 376 633
youthline.co.nz
Women’s Refuge
What they do:
Women’s Refuge provides safe housing, counselling, and advocacy for women and children experiencing family or domestic violence.
How to contact:
0800 733 843 (0800 REFUGE)
womensrefuge.org.nz
Shine
What they do:
Shine supports all victims of family violence, including children, men, and LGBTIQ+ people. They provide counselling, safety planning, and referrals.
How to contact:
0508 744 633
Safe to Talk
What they do:
Safe to Talk provides support for anyone affected by sexual harm or assault, including advice, counselling, and connections to other services.
How to contact:
0800 044 334
safetotalk.nz
EDANZ (Eating Disorders Association of New Zealand)
What they do:
EDANZ provides support, information, and resources for people experiencing eating disorders, as well as their whānau and supporters.
How to contact:
0800 2 EDANZ (0800 233 269)
ed.org.nz
WellStop
What they do:
WellStop offers free support for people who are using, or concerned about, pornography, sexualised material, or sexual behaviour that may be harmful. They provide counselling and practical guidance for individuals and whānau.
How to contact:
wellstop.org.nz
For more helplines
Visit findahelpline.com