Settling in a new country involves navigating unfamiliar systems, building new connections, and establishing a life from the ground up. New Zealand offers various settlement support services to help migrants through this transition. Understanding what's available and how to access it makes the settlement journey smoother.
This guide covers the key settlement support resources for new migrants.
Government Settlement Support
Immigration New Zealand (INZ)
Beyond visa processing, INZ provides:
New Zealand Now Website: Comprehensive information on living, working, and studying in New Zealand.
Settlement Planning: Resources to help plan your move.
Rights Information: Information about migrant rights and obligations.
Updates: Information about policy changes affecting migrants.
Website: immigration.govt.nz
Settling In Services
Government-funded settlement support:
Information and Orientation: Understanding New Zealand systems and culture.
Referrals: Connections to other relevant services.
Community Connection: Links to local organizations and groups.
Practical Support: Help with immediate settlement needs.
Access: Through regional providers funded by Immigration NZ.
Employment Support
Employment-focused government services:
Work and Income: Job search support, income support (if eligible).
WINZ Services: May include cv help, job matching, employer connections.
TEC Funding: Training and education funding (eligibility varies).
Career NZLEAD: Career planning resources.
Citizens Advice Bureau (CAB)
Free Information Service
CAB provides free, confidential information:
Wide Coverage: Information on many topics—housing, employment, legal rights.
Language Support: Information available in multiple languages.
Neutral Advice: Impartial information to help you make decisions.
Referrals: Connection to other services when needed.
Accessing CAB Services
Locations: Bureaux throughout New Zealand.
Phone: National helpline available.
Online: Website resources.
Walk-In: Many locations offer walk-in service.
Website: cab.org.nz
Community Law Centres
Free Legal Information
Community Law provides:
Legal Information Sessions: Free sessions on various legal topics.
Individual Assistance: For those who can't afford lawyers.
Immigration Advice: Some centres have licensed immigration advisers.
Referrals: To lawyers or other services when appropriate.
Services Coverage
Employment Issues: Workplace problems, contract issues.
Tenancy Matters: Rental disputes, bond issues.
Immigration Queries: Some immigration advice through qualified advisers.
Other Legal Matters: Depending on centre capacity.
Website: communitylaw.org.nz
Ethnic Community Organizations
Cultural Community Support
Many ethnic communities have organized support:
Filipino Communities: Filipino associations in major cities.
Indian Communities: Indian associations and cultural groups.
Chinese Communities: Chinese associations and community centers.
Pacific Communities: Pacific Island community organizations.
Others: Korean, Japanese, Middle Eastern, African, Latin American, and many more.
What They Provide
Community organizations offer:
Cultural Connection: Events, celebrations, maintaining cultural identity.
Practical Support: Help navigating systems, translation, advice.
Social Networks: Meeting others from your background.
New Arrival Support: Orientation and welcome for newcomers.
Employment Networks: Job leads and professional connections.
Finding Your Community
Search Online: "[Your ethnicity] community [your city] NZ"
Facebook Groups: Active community groups for many nationalities.
Cultural Events: Attend events to connect with community.
CAB/Settlement Services: Can provide referrals to ethnic associations.
Religious Organizations
Faith-Based Support
Many religious organizations support migrants:
Churches: Various Christian denominations with migrant outreach.
Temples: Buddhist, Hindu, Sikh temples with community programs.
Mosques: Muslim community centers and support.
Other Faiths: Jewish, Baha'i, and other religious communities.
Services Offered
Religious organizations may provide:
Community: Congregation becomes extended family.
Practical Help: Food, clothing, housing assistance.
Language Support: Services and activities in various languages.
Social Connection: Regular gathering opportunities.
Referrals: Connections to other services.
English Language Support
Learning English
English improvement options:
ESOL Classes: English for Speakers of Other Languages through various providers.
Settlement English: Free or subsidized classes for eligible migrants.
Community Classes: Low-cost classes through community providers.
Private Tutoring: Paid options for intensive or specialized learning.
Apps and Online: Self-study options like Duolingo, etc.
Finding ESOL Classes
Community Education: Local schools offering adult ESOL.
Polytechnics: Formal English language courses.
Private Schools: English language schools in major cities.
Settlement Providers: May offer or know about local options.
Libraries: Often have information about local ESOL.
Workplace English
For work-focused English:
Industry-Specific: Some courses target particular industries.
Workplace Programs: Some employers offer workplace English support.
Professional English: For business and professional contexts.
Refugee-Specific Support
Quota Refugee Services
For refugees arriving through quota system:
Mangere Refugee Resettlement Centre: Initial orientation and support.
Intensive Support: Comprehensive settlement assistance.
Housing Assistance: Help finding housing.
Health Screening: Initial health assessment and care.
Ongoing Case Management: Extended support through settlement.
General Refugee Support
For all refugees and asylum seekers:
Refugee Services: Specialist organizations providing support.
Legal Aid: Access to immigration legal help.
Mental Health: Specialist mental health support.
Community Sponsorship: Community groups supporting refugee families.
Website: refugeeservices.org.nz
Housing Support
Finding Housing
Help with accommodation:
Housing NZ/Kāinga Ora: Social housing for eligible households.
Settlement Services: May provide housing information and referrals.
Budgeting Services: Help managing finances for housing.
Emergency Housing: For those in immediate housing need.
Tenancy Information
Understanding your rights:
Tenancy Services: Government information on rental rights.
Disputes Resolution: Free dispute resolution service.
CAB/Community Law: Information on tenancy matters.
Website: tenancy.govt.nz
Health Services Access
Navigating Healthcare
Help accessing health services:
Settlement Providers: Can explain health system access.
HealthLine: 0800 611 116 for health advice and navigation.
PHOs (Primary Health Organizations): Help finding GPs.
Cultural Health Services: Some health services target specific communities.
Mental Health Support
Settling involves mental health challenges:
1737: Free call or text for mental health support.
Specialist Services: Refugee mental health, cultural mental health.
Support Groups: Community and peer support options.
GPs: Can refer to mental health services.
Employment and Training
Job Search Support
Help finding work:
Work and Income: Government employment service.
Settlement Providers: May include employment support.
Ethnic Business Associations: May know of employment opportunities.
Professional Associations: For regulated or professional fields.
Qualification Recognition
Getting overseas qualifications recognized:
NZQA: National assessment of overseas qualifications.
Professional Bodies: Industry-specific registration bodies.
Bridging Programs: For some fields, courses to meet NZ standards.
Advisers: Immigration advisers can advise on qualification pathways.
Building Networks
Connecting with Others
Social connection is essential:
Meetup Groups: Interest-based groups welcoming newcomers.
Sports Clubs: Participation in sports.
Community Groups: Volunteer organizations, hobby groups.
Parents' Groups: School-related parent communities.
Professional Networks: Industry associations, LinkedIn.
Newcomers Networks
Specifically for recent arrivals:
Newcomers Networks: Organized in various cities.
Migrant Welcome Events: Community welcome activities.
Peer Support: Connecting recent arrivals with those slightly more established.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are settlement services free?
Government-funded settlement services are free. Some community services are free or low-cost. Some services may have fees—always check.
How do I find services in my area?
Start with Citizens Advice Bureau, your local settlement provider, or search online for "[service type] [your city]".
I don't speak much English—can I still access services?
Many services offer interpretation or have multilingual staff. Ask about language support when contacting services.
What if I'm not eligible for government services?
Community organizations, religious groups, and some NGOs may assist regardless of immigration status. Ask about eligibility when contacting services.
How long should I use settlement services?
Use services as long as helpful—there's no shame in needing support. Settlement is a multi-year process for most migrants.
Starting your settlement journey in New Zealand? Find a licensed immigration adviser who can help ensure your immigration status is secure while you settle.