Community Support Services
Urgent Help
For urgent help from Police, Fire or Ambulance services please call 111.
Please be aware that we’re not a crisis service. If you need help immediately, seek it now.
Here’s a list of helplines and emergency phone numbers to assist you.
What we do
Te Whai Community Trust exists to make Mangawhai a great place for everyone, including disadvantaged members of our wonderful community.
Our services are provided in response to community needs. Anyone based in Mangawhai can refer or ask for wraparound support, goal setting and action plans, drawing on strengths within our family/whānau unit.
Supported by community volunteers, you can access relevant professional services such as counselling, healthcare, justice, budgeting and life coaching.
Aroha Baskets
We know it can be difficult for families/whānau to make ends meet sometimes. To help, we can provide food parcels (we call them aroha baskets) to anyone in the Mangawhai community - without judgement and with no questions asked. If you’re in need, you can refer yourself or others. We also receive referrals from local service providers.
Food parcels must be requested before Wednesday midday for collection between 10-12pm on Fridays. Please call or text us on 09 431 3459 or 027 220 0889.
Citizens Advice Bureau
Citizens Advice Bureau's Wellsford volunteers are at Te Whai Community House every first and third Tuesday of the month from 10am – 12pm.
CAB's trained volunteers can provide free, confidential, independent information and advice. Be sure to call in during the clinic hours to receive free advice and support on any issues that may be puzzling you.
Counselling
Confidential, non-judgemental counselling is offered in a safe environment with a trained professional. Face-to-face sessions are provided in our private clinic setting by external providers including SOS Kaipara and Otamatea Community Services, and private counsellors from the Mangawhai area.
Referrals can be made through our Te Whai team. For more information, please contact us on 09 431 3459 or complete our referral form.
Ember Employment
Ember Employment is a leading Employment Service that supports those with mental health or addiction concerns to find and retain work. Ember Employment can help you with employment planning, resume writing, interview skills and much more. Their dedicated teams of mobile Employment Consultants cover from Orewa to Kaitaia.
For more information please contact Robyn 0212164310,
Robyn.Maxwell@ember.org.nz
Fairway Resolutions
Fairway Resolutions provide support to resolve disputes about your personal or business life, including family, ACC or building disputes.
Referrals can be made through our Te Whai team. For more information, please contact us on 09 431 3459 or complete our referral form.
Inland Revenue Clinic
Inland Revenue Clinics are held on the first Thursday of the month and can provide help with child support, Working for Families Tax Credit, support for people who are new to business or being self employed, debt, filing returns and assistance navigating myIR.
To book an appointment please contact us on 09 431 3459 or info@tewhaicommunitytrust.co.nz
Mentor Driver Training
Our Mentor Driving programme offers free practical lessons with community volunteers to build learner driver's confidence and abilities on the road.
Please contact 09 431 3459 or
drive@tewhaicommunitytrust.co.nz
for more information.
MoneySmart offer FREE budget advice and mentoring to help you manage your money. Your trained adviser will help you create a plan to get out of debt, save money and start building a future for you and your family.
Referrals can be made through our Te Whai team. For more information, please contact us on 09 431 3459 or complete our referral form.
Te Aka Matua
Te Puna Hauora Te Aka Matua is a Kaupapa Maori service based on traditional Māori systems of psychotherapy and wellness mythology.
Te Aka Matua promotes wellness to tangata suffering from low to moderate distress and anxiety, depression and trauma. The service provides support to the most vulnerable in our community.
Referrals can be made through our Te Whai team. For more information, please contact us on 09 431 3459 or complete our referral form.
Te Reo Wānanga
You and your whānau can learn Te Reo Māori with Te Whai Community Trust. We offer Te Reo Māori classes at a variety of levels every week and everyone is welcome. There is a small charge for these classes to cover the cost of our tutors.
Please contact tereo@tewhaicommunitytrust.co.nz for more information.
Work and Income
Work and Income are available at Te Whai Community House on the 2nd and 4th Monday of each month. This is not a drop-in service; you need to book an appointment ahead of time. At your appointment you can receive advice and support about any Work & Income products or service.
Please book your appointment at least a week in advance by contacting us on 09 431 3459 or info@tewhaicommunitytrust.co.nz
Citizens Advice Bureau
Citizens Advice Bureau's Wellsford volunteers are at Te Whai Community House every first and third Tuesday of the month from 10am – 12pm.
CAB's trained volunteers can provide free, confidential, independent information and advice. Be sure to call in during the clinic hours to receive free advice and support on any issues that may be puzzling you.
Counselling
Confidential, non-judgemental counselling is offered in a safe environment with a trained professional. Face-to-face sessions are provided in our private clinic setting by external providers including SOS Kaipara and Otamatea Community Services, and private counsellors from the Mangawhai area.
Referrals can be made through our Te Whai team. For more information, please contact us on 09 431 3459 or complete our referral form.
Fair Way Resolutions
Fairway Resolutions provide support to resolve disputes about your personal or business life, including family, ACC or building disputes.
Referrals can be made through our Te Whai team. For more information, please contact us on 09 431 3459 or complete our referral form.
Family Dispute Resolution Centre
Dealing with family conflict is never easy - FDRC can help. Experience has shown that every family dispute is different. FDRC aims to achieve positive, lasting outcomes for parents, guardians, children and other family/whānau members.
Referrals can be made through our Te Whai team. For more information, please contact us on 09 431 3459 or complete our referral form.
Grandparents Parenting Grandchildren
We organise a monthly support group that provides a safe space for grandparents to meet and share their experiences and advice.
A link for wraparound support when needed, it’s also an opportunity for discussion and education on important subjects that include cyber safety, building resilience, sleep hygiene, dealing with trauma and more.
For more information, please contact us on 09 431 3459 or complete our referral form.
Kaiārahi - Family Court Navigators
Kaiārahi – Family Court Navigators aim to improve family justice outcomes for parents, whānau and tamariki by empowering families to make informed decisions on appropriate justice pathways and how to access them. They’ll also provide information about how to engage with the court for legal matters or how to access out-of-court services.
Referrals can be made through our Te Whai team. For more information, please contact us on 09 431 3459 or complete our referral form.
Mangawhai Playgroups
Free parent-led playgroup sessions for children 5 years and under held on Tuesdays from 9.00 - 12pm during term time.
Providing a fun, safe, inviting and connected environment for learning and play for all.
Please pop down on the day and chat with Ester or contact mangawhaiplaygroups@gmail.com
Mangawhai Toy Library
Just like a book library, but for toys. Reduce the clutter, reuse the joy, and replay the fun! Join us in making sustainability a part of every playtime adventure.
Held twice a week, Wednesday and Saturday 9.30 - 11.30am during term time.
Pop in for a chat on the day or get in touch, mangatoylibrary@gmail.com, mangawhaitoylibrary.co.nz
Parent to Parent Support Group
In collaboration with Parent to Parent Northland and IHC, we host a Parent 2 Parent support group for parents and whānau of disabled, neurodivergent and health-impaired children.
This group meets at Te Whai Community House from 9.30 - 11.30am on the fourth Friday of the month.
For more information, please contact Jim on 022 017 3285 or jim.callaghan@ihc.org.nz
Plunket Whānau Āwhina
Whānau Āwhina Plunket is Aotearoa New Zealand’s largest support service for the health and wellbeing of tamariki under-five and their whānau.
Plunket clinics are held weekly on Wednesdays at Te Whai Community House.
To make an appointment please email NorthernRegionAdmin@plunket.org.nz or phone 0800 184 803
Te Whai Sages Whānau Support
Te Whai Sages Whānau Support is a free in-home volunteer-based service that can provide care, companionship, advocacy and support for whānau in the Mangawhai area. This is especially helpful for those who aren't independently mobile or experiencing social isolation and loneliness. Enjoy companionship and conversation, outings, games, a break to catch up on sleep, shopping and meal prep.
For more information, please contact us on 09 431 3459 or complete our referral form.
Citizens Advice Bureau
Citizens Advice Bureau's Wellsford volunteers are at Te Whai Community House every first and third Tuesday of the month from 10am – 12pm.
CAB's trained volunteers can provide free, confidential, independent information and advice. Be sure to call in during the clinic hours to receive free advice and support on any issues that may be puzzling you.
Counselling
Confidential, non-judgemental counselling is offered in a safe environment with a trained professional. Face-to-face sessions are provided in our private clinic setting by external providers including SOS Kaipara and Otamatea Community Services, and private counsellors from the Mangawhai area.
Referrals can be made through our Te Whai team. For more information, please contact us on 09 431 3459 or complete our referral form.
Manaaki Transport
Community-led initiative providing free transportation services for older people in the rural Mangawhai area. Manaaki Transport aims to reduce isolation, improve mobility and increase participation in social and community events. This service operates Mon, Wed, Fri 9am - 12pm by a team of dedicated and trained volunteers. View the service brochure here.
Please contact 09 431 3459 or drive@tewhaicommunitytrust.co.nz for more information.
Te Whai Sages Senior Support
Te Whai Sages Whānau is a free in-home volunteer-based service that can provide care, companionship, advocacy and support for older people in the Mangawhai area. This is especially helpful for those who aren't independently mobile or experiencing social isolation and loneliness. Enjoy companionship and conversation, outings, games, shopping and meal prep.
For more information, please contact us on 09 431 3459 or complete our referral form.
Work and Income
Need help navigating your Work and Income options? Make an appointment to see a WINZ Senior Case Worker at Te Whai Community House. Whether you're facing unexpected challenges or planning your path to financial independence in retirement, the WINZ advisor will work with you to identify the best way forward.
Please book your appointment at least a week in advance by contacting us on 09 431 3459 or info@tewhaicommunitytrust.co.nz
BROS Mangawhai Monthly Men's Circle
BROS is a community initiative dedicated to uplifting the wellbeing of men. BROS aims to build healthy & authentic masculinity through brotherhood and connection experiences.
Supporting the mission to bring “more men around more fires”, each month a Men’s Circle is held at Te Whai Community House for men to help build strong connections and support meaningful discussions.
For more information contact Tom on tom.buhr@yahoo.com
Navigating Change Wellbeing Programme
We can offer access to the free 6-week Navigating Change wellbeing programme, which aims to equip you with the skills and knowledge to cope with and thrive in times of change. This programme focuses on improving mental health, building resilience and developing coping mechanisms.
For more information, please contact us on 09 431 3459 or complete our referral form.
Te Awatea Wellbeing Programme
To strengthen mental wellbeing and resilience, we offer Te Awatea, a free 10-week programme for people experiencing challenges with stress, relationships, anxiety, parenting and life changes. The course applies current research into the neuroscience of stress, anxiety and depression. It also encompasses a range of tools for implementing changes, setting personal goals and improving relationships.
For more information, please contact us on 09 431 3459 or complete our referral form.
Counselling
Confidential, non-judgemental counselling is offered in a safe environment with a trained professional. Face-to-face sessions are provided in our private clinic setting by external providers including SOS Kaipara and Otamatea Community Services, and private counsellors from the Mangawhai area.
Referrals can be made through our Te Whai team. For more information, please contact us on 09 431 3459 or complete our referral form.
Rainbow Youth
Rainbow Youth work with young people, their whānau and their wider communities to provide safe and respectful support. They provide strengths-based peer support that considers hauora, resilience, cultural identities, and individual journeys.
Referrals can be made through our Te Whai team. For more information, please contact us on 09 431 3459 or complete our referral form.
Te Roopu Kimiora
Te Roopu Kimiora supports rangatahi aged 0-18 with moderate to severe mental health concerns. Their team works alongside young people and their whānau to address depression, anxiety, PTSD, eating disorders, self-harm, and associated substance use. They also help youth with ADHD or autism experiencing mental health challenges.
Referrals can be made through our Te Whai team. For more information, please contact us on 09 431 3459 or complete our referral form.
How to Get Help
Te Whai is happy to support you. You can find the contact details for all of our social services in the descriptions above.
If you’re unable to find what you are looking for and you need support, please contact us:
info@tewhaicommunitytrust.co.nz
Or complete our referral/request form and one of our friendly staff will be in touch to discuss your needs
Impact
Since 2015, Te Whai Community Trust has helped more than 10,000 people living in the Mangawhai area.
Between April 2020 - March 2025 we provided:
2,170+ food baskets and gifted items
3,200+ social services
1,200+ wellbeing programme sessions
6,000+ companionship sessions for families & older people
Contact us
Te Whai Community House
73 Moir Street
Mangawhai, New Zealand
(inside Mangawhai Domain)
09 431 3459
027 220 0889 (text/phone)
info@tewhaicommunitytrust.co.nz
Opening Hours
9 - 3pm Monday to Friday
