Nau mai, haere mai – welcome
This is a locally-maintained list of wellbeing / support services in Taranaki. Spotted an out-of-date entry, or an organisation which is missing? Please drop us an email to let us know, and we’ll sort it!
You can select a category below, search for a keyword, or just browse the full directory.
Nā tō rourou, nā taku rourou ka ora ai te iwi – With your food basket and my food basket the people will thrive.
Biographical Info
Families Overcoming Addiction supports family members who have a loved one living with addiction. We help connect you to others who share a similar experience and also offer individual support when necessary.
FOA offers weekly support group meetings on Monday evenings in New Plymouth, monthly support meetings in Stratford and has a small daytime group operating in New Plymouth. We also provide telephone and individual face-to-face support as necessary.
Where? North and South Taranaki. Support is offered in-person or via phone
When? Our office is open Monday – Thursday. You can call us at anytime and leave a message, we will return your call as soon as possible.
Weekly support groups are held in New Plymouth Monday evenings 6pm-8.30pm, and in Stratford Thursday evenings 6.30pm – 8pm once per month.
Who? Those over 18 years old and their whānau/family
Referrals are accepted from self, whānau/family, GPs, and other health professionals.
Biographical Info
We utilise therapeutic practices that involve interactions between individuals and horses to address physical, emotional, and psychological challenges.
It harnesses the unique bond between humans and horses to promote healing and personal growth.
We offer:
- Equine Assisted therapy and trauma support and counselling
- Equine Assisted group learning
Where? Available in-person in North Taranaki
When? Appointments available on Fridays
Who? All ages
Referrals: We accept referrals from self, whānau, GP and other professionals. At times we may have a waitlist. Costs vary. Funding available through ACC and I Am Hope.
Biographical Info
Level Up Sobriety Coaching provides a safe and non-judgemental space for people to explore their relationship with alcohol with a view to finding long-term sobriety.
We offer:
- Focused support with 1:1 coaching
- 6-month partnerships
- 30 Days to Freedom reset
- Podcasts
- Social media content
Where? All of Taranaki and across Aotearoa. Support is offered online, via phone, and in-person
When? Monday to Sunday; 9am – 9pm
Who? Those that are 18+, workplaces, and education providers
Referrals: Referrals are accepted from self, whānau/family, GPs, and other health professionals. Some costs are associated. Please get in touch with us to have a chat.
Biographical Info
Papa Toa offers cultural consultancy, life coaching, workshops, rongoā Māori, and holistic healing sessions, dedicated to empowering individuals, whānau, and communities to achieve cultural resonance, wellbeing, and success.
Papa Toa provides a rongoā and wellbeing practice grounded in mātauranga Māori, tikanga, and whakapapa. We are also ACC-registered rongoā suppliers. Our consultations offer a holistic approach to healing that goes far beyond mirimiri alone, weaving together whakawhitiwhiti kōrero, pūrākau therapy, honohono, ritenga, karakia, and the use of rongoā plant medicine to support tinana, hinengaro, wairua, and mauri. Each session is guided by what is needed in that moment, recognising that healing is relational, spiritual, and embodied, and that true recovery comes from restoring balance across all aspects of wellbeing, not just treating symptoms.
Our Qualified Cultural Supervisor is also available for kaimahi in the health, societal services, education, judicial or government sectors. We offer in-person and online cultural supervision sessions.
Where? Available in-person in North Taranaki. Available online across Aotearoa.
When? Available Monday to Friday. Weekend appointments available by agreement. Please note that wait times for appointments can be up to 3 weeks.
Who? Individuals aged 10 year and older, Whānau, Hāpori/Communities, Workplaces, Education Providers.
Referrals: We accept referrals from self, whānau, GP and health professionals.
For non-ACC referrals, please contact us directly. Costs vary and are listed on our website.
To access support from ACC, you will need to contact them first. We do not charge extra for ACC consultations. ACC Phone 0800 101 996 or email [email protected]
Biographical Info
At Pathways, we truly care about supporting people on their path to wellness. We understand that everyone’s journey is unique and walk alongside tāngata whai ora every step of the way. By embracing the strength of whānau and community, we support people to achieve their goals and live full lives, hopeful and connected to what matters to them.
We offer a wide range of support services for adults, and through our youth brand, Real, we also support young people to navigate the highs and lows of daily life.
Pathways provide a range of adult community-based support, short stay respite, and housing and recovery services.
Our Real youth services include short stay respite, and a community based team (Whetū Marewa) helping our young people build resilience, confidence and wellbeing.
Please do not hesitate to contact us for information on how to be referred to our services.
Biographical Info
We’re proudly part of the Pathways and Wise Group whānau providing community based mental health and alcohol and other drug support services. We support taiohi to live full lives; hopeful and connected to what matters to them. Our youth services are designed to meet the needs of taiohi, whānau, and their community:
Whetū Marewa: Whetū Marewa is our mental health support service in Taranaki that brings together our clinical workforce and youth workers, to make accessing support fast, easy, and even fun! Our aim is to build confidence, resilience, and wellbeing in taiohi who may be living with mild to moderate mental health, or challenges from alcohol or other drug usage, or social stressors. We can take self and whānau referrals this service.
Respite: Our youth respite service in Taranaki provides a safe and caring environment for young people who may be going through a tough time dealing with things like anxiety and depression. It’s currently available from Monday to Friday. You can be referred to our respite services by Child and Adolescent Mental Health services at Te Whatu Ora, or by Taiohi Ora at Tui Ora.
Whānau support: While our services are designed and built to meet the needs of young people, whānau are part of the journey too. We’re committed to including whānau in the support we provide, strengthening relationships within whānau, and encouraging helpful communication.
Biographical Info
This service provides residential support and treatment for people who are experiencing significant harm as a result of their own alcohol and or other drug use and cannot be treated in less structured or supported settings. A range of options are available depending on your needs.
Our purposeful, whole of life, person-centred, caring approach combines four key elements;
Partnership: You will be in a purposeful relationship with the treatment team as you move along your own personal path to recovery.
Community Reinforcement Approach: We go beyond education and advice to coaching and practice. Where practical, family and friends are encouraged to participate in your treatment plan.
12 Step Recovery Journey: The 12 Step approach suggests that the recovery includes a distinctly spiritual journey from a life of confusion and grief to a place of serenity and peace.
The Salvation Army: The Salvation Army in Aotearoa New Zealand seeks to offer an evidence-based, best practice treatment for people moderately to severely affected by their harmful use of, or dependency on alcohol and / or drugs as a practical expression of its Christian based love and concern for all people in the community.
Biographical Info
The New Plymouth Salvation Army is a Christian based charity. Our vision is to care for people, transform lives and reform society. Helping those in need through a number of programmes and services open to the community. We welcome everyone to our centre.
Church | Sunday Service 10.30am (Including children’s church). We also hold house churches on Wednesday and Thursday evenings.
Prayer (Karakia) | Tuesday to Friday 9:00am Early morning prayer and devotions to start your day.
Women’s Support Group | Wednesday 10am
Women’s support group is a place where women can be empowered and supported and make good friendships with like-minded people. Learn about yourself and others through a spiritual journey in a safe space. We welcome women from all walks of life.
Tautoko Tane – Men’s Support Group Wednesday 10am
Tautoko Tane is a men’s support group for all men dealing with life on life’s terms. From men’s mental wellbeing, addictions, recovery, family and faith, this group gets together every Wednesday, sometimes offsite.
Recovery Church | Wednesday 6pm
Recovery Church embraces the slogan, ‘A place to belong before you believe!’ Recovery Church is a safe space for those who are on the recovery journey. Whether you are seeking support to begin the journey, are on day one, or have clean time behind you, this ministry is based on the 12 Steps and offers support through a spiritual programme.
Lord’s Gym Box Fit Class | Tuesday and Thursday 5pm
A 1-hour box fit class led by our passionate facilitator! Held in our auditorium, this class is about looking after our physical selves. A gold coin donation is appreciated.
Food and Wellbeing Support | Tuesday or Thursday’s | 10 – 12.30pm Call to book an Appointment
We offer wellbeing support and navigation including emotional support, goal setting and self development. For those in this service we have a social supermarket for food assistance available. We can also assist with a various number of other welfare concerns as needed.
Community Connections – Advocacy
We can be an advocate for you during meetings or events, you might find stressful doing alone. We can also find connections for you in the community to help support you further.
Reintegration Service
Reintegration works with those who are incarcerated and are ready to be released into society. We have a team that meets and walks beside those people, helping them put their best foot forward and supporting them on the journey as they find themselves in the community.
Supportive Housing
Transitional housing is a short-term accommodation service to help those in need who are looking for long-term properties.
Social Housing
This service is a long-term housing solution for single people.
Taranaki Bridge Programme
This programme is a live-in rehabilitation program for those suffering from addiction. The programme offers a nine-week course to help clients learn to live without the use of alcohol and drugs, as well as engaging clients in community services that support sobriety.
Family Stores
Our Family Stores offer second hand goods sold at reasonable prices! Donations welcome. All proceeds of the shop are sown back into The Salvation Army services, allowing us to continue helping the community.
Book Fair
We are always seeking donations of quality books for our annual book fair.
Where? North Taranaki. Support available in-person, online and via phone.
When? Tuesday to Friday, 9am – 2.30pm; Sundays from 10.30am.
Who? Anyone, including whānau, communities, and workplaces.
Referrals: We accept referrals from self, whānau, GP, health professionals and workplaces. Some programmes may have a waitlist.
Biographical Info
The Taranaki Whānau Centre (formerly South Taranaki Women’s Centre) was established in 2001 and has recently re-registered under the Incorporated Societies Act 2022. With this change, we are proud to now operate under our new legal name: South Taranaki Whānau Centre.
Our centre is known for its warm, friendly, and inviting atmosphere—a place where clients feel safe, relaxed, and welcome from the moment they walk through our doors. We pride ourselves on being client-focused, supportive, and non-judgemental in all the services we provide.
Our Purpose:
Our mission is to create a safe, supportive, and empowering environment for individuals, families, and Whānau. We focus on what’s happening for our clients in the present moment, supporting their choices and helping them work toward positive outcomes.
Accreditation & Compliance
Taranaki Whānau Centre holds Level 2 Social Sector Accreditation with Te Kāhui Kahu to deliver:
- Family Violence and Victims Programmes
- Parenting Support Services
We are audited every two years by the Ministry of Social Development and Oranga Tamariki, covering areas such as: Health and safety compliance;
Community Partnerships:
We are an active member of the South Taranaki Safe Families Collaborative – network of community organisations and government agencies committed to preventing family violence. Through this collective, we work together to raise awareness and improve outcomes for families in our region.
Our Mission Statement:
To provide a safe and supportive friendly environment for the empowerment of families and Whānau.
Our Services:
Social Work Support
Sometimes we need someone to talk to about things. We have professional and supportive staff at the centre.
We are client focused and unbiased and are here to help you make positive change.
- Stress and Anxiety
- Family Violence
- Counselling
- Depression
- PTSD
- Grief and loss
- Mental Health
- Confidence- low self esteem
- Relationship communication
Counselling/Support for Men:
Sometimes we need someone to talk to about things.
We have professional and supportive staff at the centre. We are client focused and unbiased and are here to help up make positive change.
- Relationship communication
- Stress and Anxiety
- Family Violence
- Understanding our mental wellbeing (anger management)
- Depression
- Mental Health
- PTSD
- Relationship counselling
We can offer a couple of specialists. Please talk to us about this.
Services are by appointment only and are at NO charge
Support Programmes:
Women’s Wellbeing: (4-week Programme)
Need to boost your self-esteem, find yourself, setting goals, Anxiety and how we manage this to reach your full potential. Do you need to reduce stress or anxiety? Are you looking for a new way to improve your quality of life, then this programme is for you. Mindfulness is about opening your mind to the present, about awareness of your thoughts. Mindfulness is about focusing on sensations and understanding how your body is feeling.
Parenting for Mums, Dads, Grandparents and Caregivers: (5-week Programme)
Covers a wide range of topics to assist parents, grandparents, and caregivers in raising today’s children. This programme is Family Violence approved under Level 2 Social Sector Accreditation standards by Te Kāhui Kāhu.
Teen Self Confidence: (3-week Programme)
What is self-esteem? Dealing with peer pressure/social media/Bullying/Anxiety and so much more. Ages 11 -17 years.
Raising Neurodiversity Complex Children: (4-week Programme)
Designed to give adults a look at how our kids see the world. To assist them to reach their full potential without being labelled by others. Covers a wide range from how they learn, how important routine is, foods to avoid and behaviour challenges and lots more. Support from other parents that are experiencing challengers also.
Neurodiversity is a term that describes the natural differences in how people’s brains work. It’s based on the idea that these differences are variations, rather than deficits, in how people process information.
Where? Available in South Taranaki, in-person, online and via phone
When? Monday to Thursday; 9 am until 4pm.
Who? All ages and whānau
Referrals: We accept referrals from self, whānau, GP, health professionals, workplaces, lawyers and Work and Income. There may be a waitlist at times.
Biographical Info
Kia ora; Taranaki Retreat offers a ‘Space to Breathe’ for individuals or whānau going through tough times – people helping people; alongside-you holistic peer-support, connected up and working hand-in-hand with our clinical services – each of us doing our bit to make sure that you are heard and cared for.
People reach out, or when that is too hard, friends/whānau members and other caring services get in touch with us every single day to get some support rolling. That’s what we’re here for. We offer a Support Hub (Waimanako), an Outreach Support Hub (Waihāpai), a food truck (Waimanaaki), and a peaceful Time Out space in the country.
Waimanako is a “safe space” in New Plymouth (35 Octavius Place) with awesome kai and coffee, and many workshops and support groups. We’re open Monday to Friday (check out our website for our hours), and we’re On Pause on Weekends and Public Holidays. Listening Ear support is always available – you don’t need an appointment!
If you need kai support, we have a food truck ‘Waimanaaki’ which offers free kai for our community! Locations and times are available on our website and on our Facebook page ‘Waimanako; Support Hub’.
Biographical Info
Tautoko Tane Taranaki (Male Survivors Taranaki) is a charitable trust dedicated to enabling the wellbeing of male survivors of sexual abuse.
If you are a male who has been sexually abused you are not alone. We are here to support you in creating a happier, healthier future.
Our free services offer you the opportunity for:
- Confidentiality
- No judgement
- Self-determination
- Working with other survivors
- Focus on hope and recover
- Moving towards wellbeing
We use peer support and can engage in one-to-one meetings, peer group meetings and family/whanau meetings.
Where? All of Taranaki and across Aotearoa. Available in-person, online and via phone
When? Monday to Friday; 8.30am until 5pm.
Who? Tāne / Males that are 18+
Referrals: We accept referrals from self, whānau, GP, and health professionals.
Biographical Info
The National Organisation of Māori with lived experience of mental distress and/or addiction. Our objectives are to provide Māori with lived experience, independent forums in their regions to kōrero and discuss kaupapa relevant to them. Ensure Māori with lived experience inform and influence systemic change that responds to the needs of Māori. Te Kete Pounamu advocate for Māori to receive high quality care and support from mental health and addiction services.
Mon – Fri 9am – 5pm
Biographical Info
Mental health and addiction services in Taranaki provides secondary level care. Services include acute mental health care, intensive inpatient care, services for the elderly, psychology, alcohol and other drug and also specialist services for tamariki and rangatahi.
Most services require a referral from a GP or other health / social service provider.
If you or someone you know is experiencing acute mental health distress, call the Mental Health Assessment & Brief Care Team on 0508 292 467 (option 1).
Accessing Taranaki Mental Health and Addiction Service
Biographical Info
Tui Ora wraps a korowai of support around you and your whānau, as you navigate your own way to bringing health and well-being into your life.
Our kaiārahi, registered nurses, publi health teams and hauora experts can awhi you with programmes and services designed for Māori, with Māori and by Māori. If you have a whānau hauora goal or want support getting something health-related sorted, we are there for you!
Our services include:
- Community nursing for long-term health conditions such as diabetes or heart disease
- Cancer nursing and support
- Tamariki Ora and childhood immunisations
- Pāhake Waiora/Older Person’s wellbeing
We can help with:
- Feelings of being overwhelmed or the need to get some balance mentally and emotionally
- Support for taiohi who are finding life a struggle at times
- Alcohol, gambling and drug addiction
- Stopping smoking
- Support to enable you to create positive change in you life.
Biographical Info
YMCA Taranaki provides a range of youth and community support services across the region, focused on building strong kids, families, and communities.
Youth Development
The YMCA offers opportunities for young people to help build their confidence, develop their communication skills, group participation, and goal setting skills.
Services include:
– Youth Justice – Supported Bail & Mentoring (ages 11-18, referrals from Oranga Tamariki & NZ Police)
– Specialist Youth Service Corp (SYSCO) – 20-week programme (ages 14-17 referrals from Oranga Tamariki & NZ Police)
– Fees for Service Mentoring (ages 10-18, can be referred by anyone)
– Transition to Adulthood Support Service (ages 16-12, for rangatahi who have been in the care of Oranga Tamariki)
The Y Community Space
A welcoming and inclusive venue, designed to meet the diverse needs of the community. The space offers a variety of free activities and services to promote connection, well-being and personal growth for everyone.
Free Sessions include: Craft sessions, Group outings, Community Law Workshops, Community Barbecues & Cooking Lessons.
Check out our website to learn how to get involved!
Te Whare O Tapatahi
A shelter initiative supporting men who are sleeping rough in New Plymouth, offering a safe, structured, and welcoming space for those experiencing homelessness. The whare provides meals, showers, laundry, overnight accommodation and tailored support services in a respectful and secure environment. We have a zero-tolerance policy for drugs and alcohol; safety for all is a main priority. More than a shelter, Te Whare o Tapatahi—meaning “house of integrity”—embodies the values of dignity, unity, and compassion. It’s a place where some of our most vulnerable Tāne are supported to reconnect with themselves and their community, and where structure and care come together to help rebuild lives.