Social care
Ministry of Social Development
If you have to stop working because of your disability, or if you're caring for someone with a disability, the Ministry of Social Development (MSD) may be able to help.
Some of the support they provide are:
- disability allowance
- accommodation supplement
- child disability allowance
Please note that we are unable to approve any application to receive MSD services, but we can talk to you about the supports they offer for disabled people and their carers.
Carers guide
Whether you’re new to caring or have years of experience looking after a family or whānau member or someone close to you, this page will show you what support and services are available, how they might help you and how to get in touch with them.
Carers.net.nz also provides information on every step of your caring journey.
Paying for heating
If you're ill or have a disability, you can apply for help with the cost of heating your home. What you can get depends on your circumstances and also your income and assets.
Housing and support services
De Paul House provides housing and support services, focusing on families with dependent children. Their trained Social Work Support team will work closely with the family to transition from emergency housing to a stable home.
Priority grocery service
Do you need additional help with grocery delivery? The SVA Grocery Delivery Service (in partnership with New World), enables people who can't get to the supermarket to get groceries.
You can order online or via 0800 005 902 using a debit or credit card. A screened and vetted volunteer collects the items from the supermarket and delivers them to the door. SVA then charges the pre-authorised credit card with the exact amount spent at the supermarket following delivery. There is a $6 delivery fee.
Head to www.shop.sva.org.nz to shop, call them on 0800 005 902 or email to shop@sva.org.nz
Countdown Quiet Time
Countdown stores across New Zealand will offer customers a low-sensory Quiet Hour every Wednesday from 2.30pm to 3.30pm.
Quiet Hour offers customers a time to shop in Countdown’s stores that is easy on the eyes and ears by reducing noise, lighting and other distractions in-store. Visit their website to find out more.
Food banks
If you are in need of food assistance search your region to find a foodbank in your area. You may need to bring suitable identification and proof of address.
Meals on wheels
Meals and Wheels is a New Zealand Red Cross services that is mostly paid for by your local District Health Board (DHB). Those who use this service will still pay a minimal amount (like $5) for a meal plus dessert.
You can receive this service if you get a referral from DHB. Please talk to your GP or specialist and enquire if this is an option for them/they can get a referral.
Kai from Sai
Sathya Sai International Organisation give out FREE vegetarian meals to anyone who walks up to their Kai from Sai food truck. Kai from Sai is ran by volunteers and was created in response to the increasing rate of homelessness in Auckland.
Their food truck visits different sites across Auckland from Monday to Friday (6pm to 7pm), Saturday and Sunday (4.45pm to 6pm).
Monday - Te Oro, Glen Innes
Tuesday - 10 High Street, Otahuhu
Wednesday - Youth Library Dawson Road, Clover Park, Otara
Thursday - Mangere Town Centre
Friday - Clendon Manurewa
Saturday - Otara Town Centre
Sunday - Ranui
Care packages
Complete the wecare.kiwi form to request for a care package.
Find a food community organisation
Communities across Aotearoa are working together to support those who don't have access to healthy, nutritious and affordable food. This website provides comprehensive information (interactive map) about community food organisations around the country.
Ōtara Kai Village
This is a food charity organisation and hub for access to social services and a gathering point for the Ōtara community.
Every Tuesday unless specified otherwise on their Facebook page, local whanau can expect:
11am Free community meal
3:30pm Free Kai Parcels
Visit their website for more information.
Free counselling
Feeling stressed, worried, scared or depressed? We've put together a list of all the free counselling services you can use when you're dealing with tricky emotions and thoughts.
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