Other places you can get support

You can reach out to your GP, doctor or specialist to see if you might be eligible for support through Health NZ community NASC, if so, they can complete a referral on your behalf. They can also help you to access support from allied health professionals, such as a physiotherapist, occupational therapist, optometrist or other medical specialist.

For children

Family Options NASC service is responsible for the coordination of supports for children with short term health related needs or children with long term health conditions. They are based in Starship Hospital and support children from 0 to 16 yrs.

If your child has a disability or isn’t meeting developmental milestones, CDS can also help. They have a team of experts who specialise in physiotherapy, speech language therapy, occupational therapy and psychology. CDS is run through community services at hospitals.

Your GP, Plunket Well Child nurse or health specialist can send a referral for you. 

CDS can also provide a dedicated autism support coordinator to support families to engage with community services. CDS is run through community services at hospitals.

Your GP, Plunket Well Child nurse or health specialist can send a referral for you.

If you’re 65 or over, your GP can refer you to Health New Zealand services for older people. They provide a wide range of support, like dementia care, to help older people maintain their overall wellbeing. 

Your GP or specialist can also refer you to mental health support for

• depression
• bipolar disorder
• Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)
• anxiety
• schizophrenia
• addiction support.

If you live in East and South Auckland, there are some GPs who can help you access the Wellness Fund — a new service where people can access between 4-6 sessions with a clinical psychologist.

If you’re living with a disability caused by an accident or injury, ACC can help cover some of the cost of your rehabilitation or recovery. Our Way Finders navigation service can help guide you through the ACC claims process.

There may be times in your life when you can’t work, either because of your disability or because you’re caring for a disabled loved one. If so, you might be able to access support from WINZ. This could include disability allowances, accommodation supplements, help paying your power and heating bills, school costs, childcare subsidies, or supported living payments.

Ongoing Resourcing Scheme (ORS)

If your child’s disability means they need significant and ongoing support throughout their education, you could apply for ORS funding through MOE. This funding can cover supports like a speech-language therapist, physiotherapist, or specialist teacher. You can apply through your school – and once your child starts receiving ORS funding, it sticks with them until their last day of school.

Specialist Schools

For children with high needs, behavioural or emotional challenges, vision impairment or Deaf, specialist schools can help support their learning journey. From day schools to residential schools, MOE can help connect you with a range of specialist schools throughout the Auckland region.

If you need help talking to your school

A representative from your local MOE office can join you when you meet your child’s teachers. MOE is responsible for ensuring your child reaches their full potential, gets extra help with their education, and participates in their school community as much as they can.

If you’re looking for public housing, your first step is to talk with MSD. They’ll have a conversation with you about your current situation and housing needs. If public housing is the right fit, MSD will arrange an assessment interview.

If you’re assessed as eligible, you’ll be added to the public housing register. From there, your details are shared with housing providers like Kāinga Ora, who may be able to offer you a place.

When you rent a home from Kāinga Ora, they take on the same responsibilities as any landlord. That includes keeping the property in good shape once the tenancy agreement is signed. Just a note: Kāinga Ora isn’t responsible for damage, fire, or theft of your personal belongings.

If you’re already a Kāinga Ora tenant and need housing modifications because of a disability or mobility needs, reach out to them. They may be able to help you make your home more accessible.

Emergency accommodation

If you’re in urgent need of a place to stay either right now or over the next 7 nights, emergency housing may be available.

To be eligible, you’ll need to meet certain residency, income, and asset criteria. The best way to get started is to contact Work and Income, who will talk with you about how it works and help you apply.

If you’d like another listening ear, information and advisory services can help. They offer independent information and advice to disabled people, their whānau, caregivers, providers, and anyone else who needs to know more. There are several information services in Auckland. Explore the Whaikaha website and the Federation of Disability Information Services for more information. 

Support groups can be an invaluable place to share stories and cultures, find information and make connections. There are a range of free community support groups you can reach out to, to start building a wider network of support for you and your whānau.