We have Out of School Care and Recreation (OSCAR) and holiday programmes for school aged children up to 13 years old. OSCAR has a focus on play and recreation (rather than schooling), operating outside of school hours and in holiday times, and providing care while parents do other things – work, appointments, etc. It is approved by Oranga Tamariki.

At Whitianga Social Services we recognise the importance of helping to build a strong foundation of empathy and support in today’s youth, who are the leaders and caregivers of tomorrow. In collaboration with other stakeholders we regularly run workshops or programmes aimed at youth in order to increase self-esteem and mental and physical well-being.

There is a lot of pressure on families today. Conflict, family violence and poverty are just some of the issues that families can face. We have trained and experienced Social Workers who can walk alongside you and your family to help you make positive, lasting changes. Our family workers will support you to resolve family conflict, deal with family violence, address your child's challenging behaviour, connect with other agencies for practical assistance, reconnect with our community or family, encourage positive family relationships. Whanau support, strengthening families and supervised access are just some of the things we can help with.

It takes a whole village to raise a child and the elderly play an important role in our community. Through our Heartland Services we regularly hold clinics to assist the elderly members of the Whitianga community with having access to these services. We also connect people with groups and agencies to ensure their needs are met. Elderly Outreach Services We are an approved service centre for out of town government and non-government agencies. We regularly hold clinics to assist the Whitianga community with having access to out of town services. Appointments can be made at the Social Services Centre to attend visits made by out of town agencies.

Got money worries? Get support with our budgeting services! Do you need support to manage your money, become debt-free or simply want to be smarter with your money? We can help you work out your finances and plan for the future with our budgeting services. Regardless of whether you receive a benefit, ACC payments, wages or a salary, we’re here to help you become financially independent. Trained budget advisors offer assistance to help those experiencing financial difficulties. Sessions may be one-off, on-going or focusing on total money management. The aim is for clients to gain financial independence. There is no charge.

We provide grocery parcels to help with an emergency situation. If required, families in need will be supported with extra community-donated goods. Budgeting help is available, if necessary, so people can manage independently. We have a pre loved shop attached to the Trust. If you need bedding, sheets, blankets and basic items we can help you with these. We have a range of adult and children's clothing and footwear available along with plates, pots knives and forks. If you are moving house we may be able to help with furniture. We provide grocery parcels to help with an emergency situation. If required, families in need will be supported with extra community-donated goods. Budgeting help is available, if necessary, so people can manage independently. We have a pre loved shop attached to the Trust. If you need bedding, sheets, blankets and basic items we can help you with these. We have a range of adult and children's clothing and footwear available along with plates, pots knives and forks. If you are moving house we may be able to help with furniture.

We provide free counselling for all ages. Our qualified and experienced counselling team offers one to one, small group or family counselling. We use a range of approaches to assist children, teens and adults find solutions to their unique situations. Counselling can cover a range of issues including: Relationships, Confidence, Behavioural Issues, Grief & Loss, Anger, Goal setting, Abuse.

Counselling: we provide free counselling for all ages. Our qualified and experienced counselling team offers one to one, small group or family counselling. We use a range of approaches to assist children, teens and adults find solutions to their unique situations. Counselling can cover a range of issues including: anger, abuse, behavioural issues, grief and loss, relationships, confidence and goal setting. Ratonga Whānau ~ Family Services: There is a lot of pressure on families today. Conflict, family violence and poverty are just some of the issues that families can face. We recognise that every family has strengths and we will help you build on those strengths to achieve your goals. Whanau support, strengthening families and supervised access are just some of the things we can help with. Supervised Contact: a safe environment is set up for child/children to play and be comfortable during contact. Qualified supervisors ensure time between child and parents is beneficial to both.

He taraiwa a nga kaihoroi ~ Volunteer Drivers A pool of volunteer drivers is available to assist with transport for clients to attend medical or hospital appointments. Punctuality and safety of the client is of paramount importance to us. All of our volunteer drivers are police vetted.