Support for Pacific peoples: work, aiga and wellbeing

Support lines

• 1737 (free mental health support, call or text any time).
• Alcohol Drug Helpline Pasifika line: 0800 787 799.
• Gambling Helpline: 0800 654 655, text 8006, with a specialist Pasifika helpline.
• Lifeline: 0800 543 354, text 4357.

Family, faith and the weight of expectation

Many Pacific people carry strong obligations to family, church and village, including sending money or giving to the church, which makes job loss feel heavier and shame harder to admit. It is okay to protect your household first. Be honest with family elders and church leaders about what's happened, and ask for patience and, if needed, a pause on contributions. Many ministers and community leaders will understand and can connect you to support.

Pacific wellbeing

• Faith and community: talanoa with a church leader, elder or trusted friend can be as helpful as counselling.
• Pacific mental health and addiction services exist in many regions. Ask your GP, 1737, or the Pasifika lines above to be pointed to Pacific providers.
• Free brief counselling through GP practices (Access and Choice): see the free mental health support guide.
• Healthline 0800 611 116 for free health advice.

Whānau Ora for Pacific peoples

Te Puni Kōkiri's Whānau Ora commissioning agency for Pacific peoples, nationwide, since 1 July 2025 is Tātou Collective. Whānau Ora agencies commission providers and navigators who help families set goals and access support, including employment advice. The previous Pacific agency, Pasifika Futures, ran until 30 June 2025. Ask Tātou Collective or a local Pacific provider for a navigator.

Employment support

• Register with Work and Income (0800 559 009) and ask about Pacific providers and programmes in your area.
• The Ministry for Pacific Peoples has funded the Pacific Employment Support Service (renamed Tupu Aotearoa), aimed at Pacific people aged roughly 15 to 39 who are not in employment, education or training (based on 2019 announcements). Whether it still runs in your region, and its current rules, are unconfirmed, so ask the Ministry for Pacific Peoples or a local Pacific provider.
• MSD's Pacific Employment Action Plan Fund supported employment and training programmes run by Pacific organisations, with priority for Pacific women, disabled people, Rainbow+ people, parents and youth. It has been closed to new applications, so ask Pacific community providers what they currently offer.
• Direct Career Service 0800 222 733: free career advice for NZ residents 17+.
• Free tertiary study and trades programmes: see the training guides. Ask Pacific support staff at your polytechnic or university.

Your rights

Race, ethnicity and national origin are protected from discrimination. You have the same rights on redundancy, final pay, and personal grievances as everyone else (see the redundancy rights guide), and you can ask for an interpreter or support person. Community Law, CAB (0800 367 222) and your union can help for free.