There are a range of wellbeing supports for tertiary ākonga. If you are looking for specific support from the institution you are enrolled in, check their websites first to see what additional supports may be available to you.
Support for tertiary ākonga
NZQA guidance on domestic and international codes of pastoral care
The new code of practice for the pastoral care of domestic and international learners came into effect on 1 January 2022. While there are some differences in the specific requirements of each code, a key principle is that students are able to make informed decisions about your health and wellbeing, and that your provider supports you to access appropriate help when needed.
NZQA’s website includes guidance to assist providers to achieve the outcomes of each code, and to act as a prompt for their thinking and planning.
When international students come to New Zealand to study, education providers must ensure that students are well informed, safe and properly cared for. NZQA has released a series of videos outlining what support all international students can expect for their wellbeing and safety while studying. You can watch the videos here.
Learners can use the following NZQA links for more information about the Code:
Complaints about provider's compliance with the Code
Know the Code - learner videos
Know the Code - international school learners
Know the Code - tertiary learners
If you or someone you know needs urgent help, call 111 immediately.
COVID-19 support to access essential supplies and other financial assistance
The Unite Against COVID-19 website outlines a range of financial support for individuals and whānau including help with essential costs such as food, accommodation and power.
Financial Support – Unite against COVID-19
There is also a COVID-19 financial support tool, which tells you what financial help and support you can access, and where you can apply or find more information.
Further information can be found at Work and Income.
Student hardship
If you need extra help you can find information about emergency assistance from Studylink. We also encourage you to talk to your provider.
For urgent or unexpected costs visit:
Hardship Fund for Learners (HAFL)
The Hardship Fund for Learners (HAFL) has been extended to provide continued support for tertiary ākonga who are facing ongoing hardship due to the COVID-19 pandemic. In this context, hardship means any suffering, deprivation or financial challenge faced by a learner due to the COVID-19 pandemic that is interfering with a learner’s ability to progress with their study.
TEC will be working directly with providers to manage this additional funding. Contact your provider and talk about what support you require. For more information visit:
Tertiary Education Commission – Hardship Fund for Learners 2021
Mental health and wellbeing resources
- Aroha - chatbot to help young people cope with stress. Aroha — Auckland University
- Chinese Lifeline – 0800 888 880 (for people who speak Mandarin or Cantonese).
- Clearhead: your guide to mental wellbeing.
- Crisis mental health and addiction services continue to operate. The numbers for crisis mental health teams are also on the Ministry of Health website. Crisis Support — Ministry of Health.
- DCNZ offers free counselling/psychology service in response to COVID-19 for migrants and former refugees: Diversity Counselling New Zealand | DCNZ Hamilton | Contact Us for help.
- Healthline - for 24/7 help from a registered nurse – 0800 611 116.
- Lifeline – 0800 543 354 – Confidential Support — Lifeline.
- Like Minds, Like Mine ideas, practical tips and information about how you can make a difference in your community or workplace to create a healthier, more inclusive New Zealand for people that experience mental illness.
- Mental Wealth by Le Va - online resources to help young people look after their mental health and includes online counselling – Mentalwealth.nz.
- Need to talk? Free call or text 1737 any time.
- OUTline available 6pm - 9pm for members of the rainbow community - 0800 688 5463.
- Pacific mental health and addiction providers have strong pandemic plans and continue to support their communities. These providers include:
- Fonua Ola in Counties Manukau.
- Kāute Pasifika in Waikato.
- Pasifika Futures in Waitematā, Canterbury and Counties Manukau.
- Pacific Health Service Hutt Valley and Naku Enei in the Hutt Valley.
- Vaka Tautua in Capital and Coast DHB and Auckland Ministry of Health.
- Samaritans – 0800 726 666 - Confidential Support – Samaritans.
- Tautoko Suicide Helpline – 0508 8288656 (Tautoko).
- The Lowdown - videos and articles about anxiety and depression and also includes support through a free 24/7 helpline, text and webchat. – The Lowdown.
- Youthline - call 0800 376 633, free text 234 or a web chat on: Youthline - Youth Health Services.
For help with specific issues:
- Alcohol Drug Helpline – 0800 787 797 (for people dealing with an alcohol or other drug problem; 10 am to 10 pm).
- Depression.org.nz – includes The Journal free online self-help tool and helpline 0800 111 757.
- PlunketLine – 0800 933 922 (support for new parents, including mothers experiencing postnatal depression).
- Rape Prevention Education – 0800 044 334 (support for survivors of rape or sexual assault).
- Shakti Crisis Line – 0800 742 584 (for migrant or refugee women living with family violence).
- Suicide Prevention – Mental Health Foundation
- Women's Refuge Crisis line – 0800 733 843 (0800 REFUGE) (for women living with violence, or in fear, in their relationship or family).