Other places you can get support

You can reach out to your GP, doctor or specialist for support accessing free medical care for long term conditions like asthma, diabetes or heart illness. They can refer you to a physio, 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. 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 Work and Income New Zealand (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, physio, 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’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.