Migrant support

Photo of three migrant women.

In Whangārei there are a several organisations and resources that can connect you and your family with other local networks, cultural groups and key services to make it easier for you to create your new life in Whangārei. 

Getting settled

We welcome new migrants and value the rich contribution that newcomers make.

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. 

The biggest challenge can be knowing where to find all the information to get settled. There are many organisations in Whangārei that can help.

The Guide for Newcomers is a free 40-page booklet, which is packed with information on a wide range of topics about Whangārei.

These include:

  • support for new migrants
  • finding somewhere to live
  • getting a job
  • childcare and schools. 

Download the guide below or contact us to get a printed copy.

Guide for Newcomers(PDF, 4MB)

The New Zealand Now website of Immigration New Zealand provides general and local settlement information for new migrants about living and working in New Zealand. 

New Zealand Now

Multicultural Whangārei is a not-for-profit community-based organisation supporting migrants and newcomers to Whangārei with their settlement process.

Multicultural Whangārei 

The Multi Ethnic Collective is an advisory group platform supported by a partnership between Whangarei Police, Whangarei District Council, Immigration New Zealand, the Office of Ethnic Communities and Multicultural Whangarei.

Members are building a strong relationship with the partners and draw from their ethnic experiences and networks to inform how Whangārei can be inclusive, safe, welcoming and best support the needs of our cultural communities.

 For more details see:

Multicultural Whangarei

Women’s International Newcomers Group Social is a friendship network where women from other parts of the world who now live in Whangārei, meet and organise social and family events. 

There is a monthly social meeting, a weekly coffee morning, a craft group and frequent events for the whole family.

Women's International Newcomers Group Social (WINGS)

Citizen Advice Bureau is a nationwide information service that has information on a wide range of topics.

If they are unable to help with your question, they can put you in touch with someone who can. 

Citizens Advice Bureau

Many migrants choose to become New Zealand citizens. Read more about how to become a New Zealand citizen and Council's citizenship ceremony.

Citizenship

Citizens Advice Bureau language

This is a community telephone interpreter service available from the Citizens Advice Bureau. 

They have a list of certified local interpreters and translators for a range of languages who can assist with official (and non-official) translation. It offers free, confidential information in 26 languages. 

Citizens Advice Bureau 

Finding employment for yourself or your spouse is an important part of successful settlement in your new community. 

If you need help, there are some good resources and services available through the Careers NZ website. 

They offer an online 'chat’ service for information and advice, plus a phone and text service.

Careers New Zealand 

Employment rights 

Do you want to know more about your rights and responsibilities? The New Zealand Immigration website (from Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment) contains information on all aspects of employment in New Zealand.

Employment Rights – New Zealand Immigration

For employers 

Support and resources are available on the Immigration New Zealand website.

Employ migrants – Immigration New Zealand

Emergency services

In an emergency, call 111 and ask for Fire, Ambulance or Police.

Hospitals

The public health system provides free hospital treatment.

Doctors and general practitioners

If you are sick, your general practitioner (GP) or family doctor is the first person you should call. It is a good idea to register with a GP when you move here. 

The Northland phone book contains a list of all doctors' surgeries and hospitals in the Whangārei District.

All children under six years can visit the doctor for free. There are reduced fees for people on lower incomes.

Health Line is a free, 24-hour telephone health advice service. Freephone 0800 611 116.

Improve your English

Knowledge of English will help you and your family to feel more comfortable in New Zealand. There are local providers available who can help you to improve your English.

English Language Partners (ELP) offers Social English groups classes, one-to-one tutoring, English for Migrants programmes. 

Whangārei Central Library has a wide range of material to help you to learn English.

English Language Partners (ELP)

Whangārei Central Library

Schools

In Whangārei there are many primary, secondary and tertiary education providers. 

If you are looking for a school for your child, visit the New Zealand Ministry of Education website to find out more about the New Zealand education system. Follow the link below.

New Zealand Ministry of Education

Preschool

There are many local pre-school options to choose from – kindergartens, play centres and private early childhood centres. 

The Yellow Pages in the Northland phone book contain contact details for these or you can search online.

Yellow Pages

Back to top