Useful websites

Salvation Army Family Tracing   –    Salvation Army Family Tracing Service uses a wide international and local network to bring families back together and reunite loved ones   salvationarmy.org.nz/need-assistance/family-tracing 

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade may be able to help if a New Zealander has gone missing overseas. It can only help if other methods of contact, including police, have been unsuccessful and there is reason to be concerned for the person’s safety and welfare.     Safetravel – safetravel.govt.nz   

                                                                                                                                                                    Red Cross – Red Cross conducts worldwide searches for missing relatives and exchanges messages, to restore and maintain contact between families. redcross.org.nz

​NZ Land, Search and Rescue (LandSAR) –  provides search and rescue support for the lost, missing and injured.  landsar.org.nz 

​Australian Federal Police coordinates ‘Missing Persons’ in Australia. It creates public awareness while reducing the impact of missing persons within the community. Visit the Australian Federal Police web pages Missing persons(link is external).

UK Missing Persons Bureau is a national and international point of contact for all UK missing person and unidentified body investigations. Visit the UK Missing Persons Bureau website(link is external).

International Centre for Missing and Exploited Children (ICMEC) is a global movement to promote the safety and well-being of children. The Global Missing Children Network is a subsidiary organisation of ICMEC that focuses on international missing children. Visit the ICMEC website(link is external).

Suicide Prevention Information New Zealand (SPINZ) is a national service promoting safe and effective suicide prevention.Visit the SPINZ website(link is external).

Alzheimers New Zealand provides support, information and contacts for people with dementia and their carers, family, whānau and community.Visit the Alzheimers New Zealand website(link is external).

Victim Support is there for people affected by crime and trauma, helping to restore hope and confidence.  Visit the Victim Support website(link is external).

Family and Friends of Missing Persons Aotearoa is a charitable trust dedicated to providing ongoing support, information and education for those left behind when someone goes missing.   Visit the Family and Friends of Missing Persons Aotearoa website(link is external).

Crimestoppers, a charitable organisation, can be contacted anonymously day or night with any information about a crime, wanted person or missing person connected to a crime.  Visit the Crimestoppers website(link is external).

Helplines for children and young people

Youthline – Free call 0800 376 633, free text 234, email talk@youthline.co.nz or Webchat from 7pm–10pm

thelowdown.co.nz – or email team@thelowdown.co.nz or free text 5626

What’s Up – 0800 942 8787 (for 5–18-year olds). Phone counselling is available Monday to Friday, 12noon–11pm and weekends, 3pm–11pm. Online chat is available Monday to Friday from 1pm–10pm and Saturday and Sunday from 3pm–10pm.

Kidsline – 0800 54 37 54 (0800 kidsline) for young people up to 18 years of age. Open 24/7.

In an emergency, call police 111

Help for parents, family and friends

Need to talk? Free call or text 1737 any time for support from a trained counsellor

Lifeline – 0800 543 354 (0800 LIFELINE) or free text 4357 (HELP)

Alcohol and Drug Helpline – 0800 787 797

Are You OK – 0800 456 450 family violence helpline

Shakti Crisis Line – 0800 742 584 (for migrant or refugee women living with family violence)

Shine –  0508 744 633 confidential domestic abuse helpline

Vagus Line – 0800 56 76 666 (Mon, Wed, Fri 12 noon – 2pm). Promote family harmony among Chinese, enhance parenting skills, decrease conflict among family members (couple, parent-child, in-laws) and stop family violence
Women’s Refuge Crisisline – 0800 733 843 (0800 REFUGE) (for women living with violence, or in fear, in their relationship o

Family Services 211 Helpline –  0800 211 211 for help finding (and direct transfer to) community-based health and social support services in your area.

Shoreline Recovery Centre  – a resource on alcoholism and domestic abuse – https://shorelinerecoverycenter.com/alcoholism-domestic-abuse/

If you believe a child is in immediate danger, call the Police on 111.

REPORTING A CONCERN

If you’re worried about a child and want to make a referral or report of concern, call us on freephone:

0508 326 459

or email contact@ot.govt.nz

Get in touch if you think a child or young person may be:

  • unsafe or in danger of harm
  • suffering from ill-treatment, abuse or neglect
  • or you’re not sure if you should be concerned and want advice, or just to talk things through.

A social worker will work out how urgent this is, and the best thing to do next.

What we’ll need to know when you get in touch:

  • what you’re worried about
  • details of any incidents, including dates
  • details about the child or young person and their family, such as names and addresses.

AFTER HOURS

From 5pm to 8am Monday to Friday, weekends and public holidays, social workers will only assess emergency situations. But we encourage you to call if you’re unsure.