Faith and Social Services 

New Zealand has a robust network of charities, social services, and religious organizations that provide essential support for communities, including immigrants and work visa holders. These groups offer practical help such as food assistance, counseling, housing support, and cultural integration, often with multilingual services. Many are registered with Charities Services for transparency and tax benefits. On this page, we provide more information. For a full directory of charities, use the Charities Register at register.charities.govt.nz.

Key Charities

Social Services Organizations

These provide government-backed or community-led services like employment help, welfare, and family support, crucial for visa holders navigating benefits and integration.

  • Ministry of Social Development (MSD): Handles income support, job placement, housing assessments, and superannuation. Work and Income offices nationwide for visa holders. MSD - Ministry of Social Development

  • Social Service Providers Aotearoa (SSPA): Umbrella for 250+ community groups; advocacy for social workers and services like family violence prevention. Social Service Providers Aotearoa

  • Aotearoa New Zealand Association of Social Workers (ANZASW): Professional body for social workers; offers resources for migrants on rights and counseling. Home

  • Family Services Directory: Government tool to find food banks, job help, housing, and sexual harm support; searchable by region.familyservices.govt.nz/directory

  • NZ Council of Christian Social Services (NZCCSS): Coordinates 1,000+ programs in 55 locations; focuses on food security via Kore Hiakai Collective.nzccss.org.nz

 

Religious Organizations

New Zealand's religious landscape is diverse, with Christianity dominant (32.3% in 2023 census) but growing non-Christian groups due to immigration. Many provide social services like community centers and counseling. Freedom of religion is protected under the Treaty of Waitangi.

  • New Zealand Catholic Bishops Conference: Oversees Catholic networks; includes schools, hospitals, and migrant support via Caritas Aotearoa.catholic.org.nz

  • Anglican Church in Aotearoa: New Zealand and Polynesia: Largest Christian denomination; community programs for integration and welfare.anglican.org.nz

  • Presbyterian Church of Aotearoa New Zealand: Strong in South Island; runs social services like aged care and youth programs.presbyterian.org.nz

  • Grace Vineyard Church
  • The Salvation Army NZFTS

  • New Zealand Jewish Council (NZJC): Advocates for Jewish community; interfaith dialogue and anti-discrimination support.nzjewishcouncil.org

  • Federation of Islamic Associations of New Zealand (FIANZ): Umbrella for mosques and schools; supports Muslim migrants with halal resources and counseling.fianz.com

  • Hindu Council of New Zealand (HCNZ): Represents temples and associations; media advocacy and cultural events for Indian diaspora.hinducouncil.org.nz

  • Buddhist Council of New Zealand: 15+ groups; hosts and meditation centers for Asian communities. Via teara.govt.nz. 

Tips for New Arrivals

  • Accessing Help: Start with MSD for benefits eligibility on work visas. Use Family Services Directory for local services.
  • Integration: Many organizations (e.g. FIANZ, HCNZ) offer English classes and cultural events.
  • Volunteering/Advertising: Charities like KidsCan welcome migrant volunteers; consider sponsored sections on your site for these groups to advertise services.
  • Updates: Check Charities Services for registration status, as policies evolve.

Practical Tips and Advice 

  • Kiwis don't generally discuss religion at work. Although open minded, the saying ''don't discuss religion and politics'' is a good rule to follow. As the saying goes'' people don't care how much you know until they see how much you care''.