Settlement Support New Zealand - Earthquake response for new migrants
NOTE: Settlement Support does not handle visa inquiries. For all visa and Immigration inquiries, please call the Immigration Contact Centre on 0508 558 855.
In stressful situations like Christchurch's tragic earthquake, new migrants can find it really hard - they may not have the friends or family support that most of us automatically turn to.
Immigration New Zealand's Settlement Division has contacted all recent migrants in the Canterbury Region by email, sending key information about the Government Earthquake Help Line (0800 779 997) and advising them of the Settlement Support New Zealand (SSNZ) helpline for newcomers that we are providing for those who are uncertain about what to do or where to go.
This help line is available on 0800 776 948 (0800 SSNZ4U) and any email enquiries can be sent to SettlementInformation@dol.govt.nz. The SSNZ service provides support, advice and links to the services that new migrants need.
This service will be available from 7.00am - 10.00pm on weekdays and 10.00am - 5.00pm on weekend. This service is also available in other languages through using Language Line, which provides telephone phone assistance in 41 languages (currently between the hours of 9.00am - 6.00pm).
The factsheet Immigration New Zealand Earthquake Advice for Migrants PDF [62KB] has been prepared to support migrants with emergency information and contains a list of essential contacts.
Government agencies that can help you after the quake DOC [31KB]. This list is also available as a PDF in the following languages:
See also our Settlement pages.
