Information for new migrants and refugees

Keeping safe and secure in your home and community is important for everyone, particularly for those who may be feeling more uncertain and vulnerable in a new community and country. This may be especially true if English is their second language.

Here are links to helpful tips on a range of safety topics relevant for the new migrants and refugee community.

Keeping yourself safe

Personal Safety and Security Tips - Victim Support NZ

If you become a victim of family harm or violence see our section on family violence and harm for steps you can take and support available, here.

For women, children, and families of Asian, African and Middle Eastern origin, phone SHAKTI at 0800 742 584 – every day, 24 hours.

If you are being bullied or harassed, including online there is support available to help.

Netsafe – Text ‘Netsafe’ to 4282, call 0508 NETSAFE (0508 638 723), email help@netsafe.org.nz or report online
Youthline – Call 0800 376 633, Free TXT 234 or email talk@youthline.co.nz | Youthline provides a free counselling service for young people.
Lifeline – Suicide Crisis Helpline – 0508 TAUTOKO (0508 828 865) | A free 24 hour suicide crisis helpline operated by trained counsellors.
Shine – 0508 744 633 | A free helpline to provide support to people who have been victims of family violence.
OUTLine – 0800 OUTLINE (688 5463) | Outline provides a free LGBTQIA+ helpline and support service.

Keeping your home safe

Victim Support NZ Tips

Home Safety Checklist – NZ Police

Staying safe online

Online Safety Tips - Victim Support NZ

Online Safety and Advice - Netsafe

Visually friendly and simply communicated guidelines – Netsafe

Protecting yourself from fraud and scams

Tips - Victim Support NZ

Helping protect your community's safety

Victim Support NZ Tips

Support for refugees

For refuges support services in your area, see the Family Services Directory here.

Belong Aotearoa Employment support for refugees in the greater Auckland region.

Connecting Cultures Is a magazine published by English Language Partners New Zealand. It contains many stories about refugees who have settled in New Zealand.

Red Cross Provides resettlement programmes for refugees, and other services including help to find employment.

Refugees as Survivors Provides mental health services for refugees and migrants and helps people resettle in New Zealand.

Asian Family Services Support and counselling

Support for Migrant groups in New Zealand

For migrant support services in your area, see the Family Services Directory here

Chinese New Settlers Services Trust Information on an employer–worker matching service.

Filipino Migrant News News and information for migrants.

Migrant News News and information for migrants.

Multicultural New Zealand Links to information on living and working in New Zealand.