Aside from 111, Here Are Other New Zealand Emergency Hotlines You Need To Know

For life and death emergency situations where you need the services of firefighters, police, ambulance, animal welfare, or civil defence, simply dial 111. 

Be it through landline or mobile phone, calling this number is free of charge even if you have no credit left in your account. The phone operator will connect you to the right services that match your situation.

Besides this hotline, it's best to know these numbers for other specific emergencies.

For COVID-19 medical emergencies

Normally, 111 is also applicable for all medical emergencies. However, Healthline has designated a special COVID-19 hotline on 0800 358 5453. You can call them for free diagnosis, testing, and treatment. This is available to everyone, regardless of your citizenship, resident status, and health insurance plan.

A registered nurse will answer your call and address your enquiries. You can call them 24 hours a day, 7 days a week for free medical advice.

For other medical emergencies

If you have medical emergencies besides COVID-19, simply call 111. For more specific medical advice, contact Healthline on 0800 611 116. It’s available 24/7, and it’s free of charge as well. Call them if you’re under these circumstances:

• Feeling unwell but unsure if it needs immediate medical attention
• Needing urgent advice about sick family member or friend
• Wanting to know where the nearest hospital or chemist while on a holiday

Note that translators are also available for these helplines.

For first-aid enquiries

If you need first aid assistance, you can call on 111 without worries. If you have a hard time connecting to an operator because of the queue, you have the option to call on other non-government medical organisations like Red Cross New Zealand.

Get in touch through 0800 RED CROSS (733 2767). Alternatively, you can email them at firstaid@redcross.org.nz. Their team consists of medical professionals that are always ready to assist you.

For non-emergency police assistance

If it’s not a matter of life and death but you still want to report a situation to the police, call 105. If you’re under these situations, contact this number:

• Reporting lost, stolen, or destroyed firearm
• Filing or getting updates about existing reports
• Getting scammed or involving online fraud
• Reporting stolen car, bike, and motorbike
• Suspecting a scam or drug dealing
• Reporting lost items like a wallet or a handbag
• Contacting your local police station

Aside from calling this number, you may also file a complaint or get updates about your existing cases online through 105 Police Non-Emergency Reporting.

For traffic concerns

For non-life-threatening traffic concerns, call *555. This applies to mobile phones only. It’s not intended for emergencies, so calls to this hotline are treated with less priority. Examples of non-emergency traffic concerns include:

• Congestion, breakdowns, and obstructions on the road
• Road rage and minor traffic accidents with no casualties
• Non-urgent traffic situations such as poor driving

For filing complaints, you need to provide the full name of the drivers, license plate numbers, speed limits, time and weather conditions of the accident, landmarks, among others.

For general help desk

The national health line is 1737. You can text or call them 24 hours a day, seven days a week for support from a counsellor. Otherwise, you can call different hotlines to address your specific non-medical and non-emergency concerns. Check out the following hotlines.

For mental health counselling and support

If you need professional advice about your mental health, you may also call 111, and you'll be redirected to the proper service. You can also call these numbers, available 24/7 unless a time is set by the specific organisation.

• Lifeline - 0800 LIFELINE (543 354) or text HELP (2357) for free
• Suicide Crisis Helpline - 0508 TAUTOKO (828 865)
• Depression Helpline - 0800 111 757 or text 4202 for free
• Samaritans -  0800 726 666

For sexuality or gender-related concerns

If you feel unsafe or discriminated against your gender and preference, whether in your workplace or public areas,  don’t hesitate to call on these numbers. They can teach you how to address and handle these difficult situations.

• OUTLine NZ - 0800 (OUTLINE) 688 5463, available from 6-9 pm
• Rainbow Youth - Chat support for youth aged 13-27, available on weekdays 2-4 pm

For concerns about children and young people

If you’re not of legal age yet and are put in a dangerous situation, several organisations have hotlines you can call on. They’re free for the most part, but some may charge a small fee whether you’re calling through landline or mobile.

• Youthline - 0800 376 633 or text 234 for free
• The Lowdown - text 5626 for free or email at team@thelowdown.co.nz 
• What’s Up - 0800 942 8787 (for 5-18 year olds). Available on weekdays from 12nn-11pm and weekends from 3 pm-11 pm
• Kidsline -  0800 (kidsline) 543 754 for young people up to 18 years old

For cases of assault and violence

If you know, see, or experience cases of assault at home or in the community, ask for advice about the steps to get out of your situation safe and sound. Take note of these numbers and get help immediately!

• Are You OK - 0800 456 450 for family violence
• Rape Crisis - 0800 883 300 for rape and sexual assault
• Shakti Crisis Line - 0800 742 584 for migrant families experiencing family violence
• Shine - 0508 744 633 for domestic abuses cases
• Women’s Refuge Crisis line - 0800 REFUGE (733 843) for women living in fear

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