Domestic abuse help when you are separating (New Zealand)

Reviewed 19 September 2026 · New Zealand · signposting, not legal or financial advice

Three 24-hour lines cover New Zealand: Women’s Refuge on 0800 REFUGE, Shine on 0508 744 633, and the government’s family violence information line on 0800 456 450. In an emergency call 111.

Family violence changes what is expected of you elsewhere on this site: you are not required to mediate, and the Family Court can make a Protection Order quickly. A helpline can walk you through it.

Where to get help

Women’s Refuge Visit › 24-hour crisis line, safe houses and advocacy for women and children. Phone: 0800 733 843. New Zealand Shine Visit › 24-hour helpline and services for anyone experiencing family violence. Phone: 0508 744 633. New Zealand Are You OK (family violence information line) Visit › Government information line for anyone worried about family violence, their own or someone else’s. Phone: 0800 456 450. New Zealand

The basics in New Zealand

Sources checked September 2026. Government pages change; the links go to the official page for the latest.

How it usually works

Whatever route you take, a calm shared record helps. ParenThing keeps messages, the calendar, costs and handovers in one private place both parents can see, and your data is held in the EU. See how it works for New Zealand families.

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Related questions

This page brings together publicly available services. It is signposting, not legal, financial or medical advice. Information is checked regularly; if you spot something out of date, please tell us.