It’s OK to ask for help. As we work through this together, there are people and agencies able to support you.
If you have COVID-19 symptoms, call the dedicated COVID-19 Healthline:
For any other health concerns, call the general Healthline number on 0800 611 116. You can call 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
Visit the Work and Income website for urgent financial support and ongoing needs. You can apply for a main benefit online and check your eligibility for food assistance.
0800 559 009 (MSD General Line)
0800 552 002 (Seniors 65+)
0800 88 99 00 (Students)
In MyMSD you can check your payments, tell MSD about changes and apply for a benefit or NZ Super
If you need to get a COVID-19 test
NZ citizens and residents living in Australia
You can also use the COVID-19 financial support tool on the Unite Against COVID-19 website to see what support is available to you.
See Food information on the Work and Income website
If support for food through Work and Income is not suitable as a first option, people can search the Family Services Directory for a local foodbank.
You can get financial assistance for food through Work and Income.
Learn more about how to access food and essential items
If you’ve lost your job or can’t work at the moment you may be able to get a benefit, some other financial help, or support to find work. MSD may be able to help even if you’re working.
Learn more about help with essential costs
Whānau Ora helps whānau access health and welfare services, and meet basic needs for food, accommodation, heating, internet connectivity, water and sewerage.
You can contact Whānau Ora on:
If you feel you’re not coping, or you have concerns for others, it’s important to talk with a Health professional. The following helplines are available for people needing help.
The Alcohol Drug Helpline offers free support if you have concerns about your drinking and drug use, or someone else’s. A trained counsellor is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
Call Oranga Tamariki if a child or young person is unsafe, not being cared for, or separated from their parents or caregivers.
The Elder Abuse Helpline is a free service that people can contact if they or someone they know are experiencing elder abuse.
0800 HeyBro - 0800 HeyBro (0800 439 276) is here to listen and offer support for men who feel they are going to harm a loved one or whānau member.
Find out more about 0800 HeyBro
If you feel you are not coping, it is important to talk with a health professional. There are helplines available that offer support, information and help. All services are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
Help and support is available if you are experiencing family violence or sexual violence.
Family and sexual violence prevention helplines and services
If you are deaf, hearing impaired, Deafblind or speech impaired you can use the New Zealand Relay Service to call.
Many government agencies have language support available, if English is not your first language and you need an interpreter.
When you call a government agency for information, ask for an interpreter in your language and wait to be connected.
Information and advice about COVID-19 is available in many languages
Contact Work and Income if you’re looking for work or have a vacancy that needs to be filled.
0800 779 009 (Job Search line)
Contact Employment NZ or visit their website for information on your rights as an employee.
Contact WorkSafe for information on working safely.
Information and resources for Pasifika parents, families and communities to support learning during lockdown
Info Hub for Pasifika parents during lockdown
Wellington
Manawatū-Whanganui and Taranaki
Hawkes Bay
Gisborne