What is Settlement Support?
We know that settling in to a new country and community is not always easy. It takes time to adjust to a new environment, culture or language.
Basic everyday issues such as rental accommodation, schools, childcare, the tax system and health services can be surprisingly difficult to find and to understand when you are a newcomer.
Settlement Support (SSNZ) Whangarei is a free information and advice service for migrants and newcomers. We can connect you and your family with local support networks, cultural groups and key services to make it easier for you to create your new life in Whangarei.
We also assist local businesses, employers, schools, services and agencies in their contacts with newcomers.
The service is funded by the Department of Labour. There are 19 local Settlement Support initiatives around New Zealand to help welcome newcomers.
Settlement Support (Immigration New Zealand website) Opens in a new window.
The services that we offer
We can assist you with information and advice that will help you to settle well in Whangarei.
- advice about the local area to help you and your family make decisions about your settlement
- referrals to the right services, and in some cases, contacts within those services
- information seminars to help you be informed about New Zealand. eg. health, education and tax systems
- opportunities to meet other migrants and locals
- access to interpreter services
- local connections
- a link to local cultural and social groups.
Welcome Information Pack
A free Welcome Information Pack prepared especially for newcomers to New Zealand and Whangarei is available from our Settlement Support Contact Centre or from the Whangarei I-Site information centre in Otaika Road.
e-Newsletter
Our monthly SSNZ e-newsletter has information about free seminars, events coming up and local information. To receive the e-newsletter, just send us an email and we will add your name to our mailing list.
Email: ssznwhangarei@wdc.govt.nz
To view the latest newsletter follow the link below.
Settlement Support Newsletter April 2012 [450kb]
New Settlers' Guide
The New Settlers' Guide is a free 70-page booklet which is packed with information on a wide range of topics about Whangarei. These include local history, health care, emergency information, buying a house, a list of free things to do and much more.
To view the New Settlers' Guide follow the link below.
New Settlers' Guide [957kb]
Contact our office to get your printed copy of the Guide.
Seminars and events
Free information seminars and meetings are held throughout the year. Upcoming topics include:
- Seminar: Civil Defence Emergencies - Wednesday 9 May, 5.30pm - 7pm, Whangarei Migrant Centre.
- Settlement Network Meeting - Wednesday 30 May, 6pm - 9pm, Kensington Stadium, ASB Lounge.
For more details follow the link below, check the latest newsletter or contact our office.
Events Listing
Contact us
You’ll get a friendly and warm welcome at the Settlement Support Contact Centre from our team.
Ellen Altshuler, Settlement Support Co-ordinator
Gwen Ras, Information Officer
+64 9 470 3056 to make an appointment.
71 Bank Street, Whangarei.