Social care
Last updated 1 October 2021
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.
Check out this MSD toolkit that helps you find out what supports or benefits you can get from MSD.
MSD also provide information on how to access food support. MSD clients with a payment card can ring the call centre for additional top up to be added to their card to purchase food.
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.
Internet and phone costs
Work and Income can help you with ongoing phone costs that are directly related to your disability or health condition.
Skinny Jump is flexible prepaid broadband: Only $5 for 30GB of data, no contracts or credit checks and the modem comes free of charge. Just top up as you go. Skinny Jump is for those who don't have a broadband connection at home because cost is a barrier.
Online form for Skinny Jump.
Spark customers experiencing financial hardship are encouraged to call them directly and discuss their support packages.
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.
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.
Food deliveries, packed meals and food parcels
Go to this page on our website for a list of places providing food deliveries, packed meals and food parcels or download this PDF file listing food supports in Auckland.
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
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.
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. The Kore Hiakai Zero Hunger Collective provides comprehensive information (interactive map) about community food organisations around the country.
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.
Affirming Works
Affirming Works is available to assist families in the Otahuhu area with food parcels. Food parcels can be picked up from 9 Moa St, Otahuhu.
Before going please call 0800 0233476 to register details, so a food parcel can be prepared safely for you. Or send your mobile details to be called back on food@affirmingworks.org.nz.
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.
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.
Stuff.co.nz lockdown deliveries list
Stuff has an online directory of local businesses safely delivering food and beverage throughout lockdown.
Civil Defence
If you have tried and can’t access support through any of the options above, contact your local Civil Defence and Emergency Management (CDEM) Group.
Family services directory
A directory of service providers that can help you and your family, including food services, housing support and others.
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.
Are you safe from family harm and violence?
- Barnardo's offer Women’s Safety Programme is for women who have been impacted by family violence and who have a protection order in place. They'll work with you to develop a safety plan, help you understand the violence in your life, and support you to make changes that will keep you safe. Call them on 0800 227 627 or email info@barnardos.org.nz.
- Safebubble.org.nz rounds up all the available services you can go to if you're experiencing abuse and harm.
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.
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