Feeling lonely, isolated or need a MATE to talk to?
Meet with a MATE at your local cafe and get the support you need. ​

MATES Cafe is here for you when you are going through crisis. We understand that we all go through challenges in life, just as you are and when we have, we have reached out to a MATE for support. MATES recognise the benefits of having someone to talk to and just being there for us. We therefore want to be there for someone else when they need a shoulder to lean on. After all, isn't that what MATES are for?
NOTE: If you either need a MATE or wish to become a MATE, please click on the buttons above respectively. 
All other enquiries please go to "Contact Us" or "Refer Someone" (under the contact tab)  Thank You.

Bay of Plenty NZ - MATES Cafe Network

A Call-Out to ALL!
Can You Spare ONE Hour of Your Life to Save a Life?

MATES Cafe is purely about saving lives. Do you realise that in 2017-2018 over 668 people in New Zealand chose to take their own life because they couldn't stand the emotional trauma they were undergoing. Many of these occurred because of relationship breakdown.

Over 16,280 New Zealanders have killed themselves  since 1985! 
One person has taken their own life on average every 18 hours over the last 33 years.(approx. 12,500 Men and 3,780 Women Suicides in same period) Age-standardised suicide death rate, 1996 - 2012 New Zealand

Enough is enough!
MATES has been operating for nearly 10 Years in New Zealand... we now need your help to drastically lower the suicide rate... are you with us?

Saving someones life can be to either:
  1. Help them navigate in a new direction, and potentially prevent them from killing themselves...
  2. Help them to find support and hope to move forward in rebuilding their new life...
  3. Help spare the pain and anguish of all those around them that will be affected for the rest of their lives, if they go through with it... spouses, ex-spouses, children, friends, friends of friends, workmates, colleagues, school friends many more...​
​

Bay of Plenty Region

MATES North Island Centres (Click Here)  /  MATES South Island Centres (Click Here)

Support Services in Bay of Plenty

LifeLine New Zealand Last updated 06/06/2013 LifeLine is here to listen to the unheard, to empower the caller to retake control of their situation, making callers aware of options rather than offering advice.

This provider offers a national helpline service.
  • Availability: 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
  • Charges: All services free of charge.
  • Referrals: No referral required.
Depression Helpline -  0800 111 757  Last updated 23/02/2012 The Depression Helpline and website are part of a national public health campaign called the National Depression Initiative. The website includes a self-test, resources, an interactive journal and links to other help services. The helpline is av...

This provider offers a national helpline service.
  • Availability: Helpline is available 8am to midnight daily. Website is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
  • Charges: All services free of charge.
  • Referrals: No referral required.
Grief Support Services Inc Last updated 01/05/2013 Providing free counselling for those affected by loss and grief, also providing after suicide support.

  • 147 Chadwick Road
  • Greerton
  • Tauranga
  • Availability: Monday 12:30 p.m. - 8 p.m. Tuesday to Friday 9 a.m. - 4.30pm
  • Charges: All services free of charge.
  • Referrals: No referral required.
Victim Support - Eastern Bay of Plenty Last updated 27/07/2012 Victim support provides information, support and assistance to victims, witnesses, their families and friends. Victim Support also promotes victims' rights through raising public awareness and recognition of the effects of crime.


  • Availability: The Victim Support Service is available 24 hours, 7 days a week.
  • Charges: All services free of charge.
  • Referrals: No referral required.
Whanau Awhina Women's Refuge Inc Last updated 17/05/2013 Women's Refuges work to raise public awareness of violence against women and children, promoting the prevention and elimination of violence, and the rights of women and children to care and protection. For support, please ring our Crisis Line: 080...

Approved Family Violence Provider
  • 79 Goulstone Rd
  • Whakatane
  • Availability: 24 hour crisis-line  0800 733 843  REFUGE
  • Charges: All services free of charge.
  • Referrals: No referral required.
Victim Support - Coromandel Peninsula Last updated 27/07/2012 Victim support provides information, support and assistance to victims, witnesses, their families and friends. Victim Support also promotes victims' rights through raising public awareness and recognition of the effects of crime.


  • Availability: The Victim Support Service is available 24 hours, 7 days a week.
  • Charges: All services free of charge.
  • Referrals: No referral required.
Victim Support - Taupo, Turangi, Mangakino Last updated 27/07/2012 Victim support provides information, support and assistance to victims, witnesses, their families and friends. Victim Support also promotes victims' rights through raising public awareness and recognition of the effects of crime.


  • Availability: The Victim Support Service is available 24 hours, 7 days a week.
  • Charges: All services free of charge.
  • Referrals: No referral required.
Victim Support - Tauranga/Moana/Mount Maunganui Last updated 27/07/2012 Victim support provides information, support and assistance to victims, witnesses, their families and friends. Victim Support also promotes victims' rights through raising public awareness and recognition of the effects of crime.


  • Availability: The Victim Support Service is available 24 hours, 7 days a week.
  • Charges: All services free of charge.
  • Referrals: No referral required.
Victim Support - Rotorua Last updated 27/07/2012 Victim support provides information, support and assistance to victims, witnesses, their families and friends. Victim Support also promotes victims' rights through raising public awareness and recognition of the effects of crime.


  • Availability: The Victim Support Service is available 24 hours, 7 days a week.
  • Charges: All services free of charge.
  • Referrals: No referral required.
Te Huinga Social Services Trust Last updated 19/06/2013 Mission Statement: "To embrace, strengthen and nurture the holistic wellbeing of Youth/Rangatahi and Families/Whanau in Kawerau and surrounding districts".

  • The KEA Bldg Level 2 West Wing Rooms 20-21
  • 60 Onslow St
  • Kawerau
  • 3127
  • Availability: Mon - Fri 9am-4pm
  • Charges: Some charges may apply.
  • Referrals: Referral may apply.
Tauranga Women's Refuge Last updated 19/10/2012 Tauranga Women's Refuge works to raise public awareness of violence against women and children, promoting the prevention and elimination of violence, and the rights of women and children to care and protection. In an emergency, please ring 111.

Approved Family Violence Provider
  • Availability:
  • Charges: All services free of charge.
  • Referrals: No referral required.
Te Kaokao O Takapau Last updated 17/06/2013 Provides a wide range of primary care, disability support and public health services.

  • 57 Tuhoe Street
  • Taneatua
  • Availability: Office is open Monday to Friday 9.00am - 5.00pm. During the holiday period Doctor and Social Workers are on call 24 hours.
  • Charges: Some charges may apply.
  • Referrals: No referral required.
Te Whare Oranga Wairua Last updated 20/06/2013 Women's Refuges work to raise public awareness of violence against women and children, promoting the prevention and elimination of violence, and the rights of women and children to care and protection. For support, please ring our Crisis Line: 080...

Approved Family Violence Provider
  • Availability: 9.00am - 5.00pm, Monday to Friday + 24 hours crisis service.
  • Charges: All services free of charge.
  • Referrals: No referral required.
Ngati Ranginui Iwi Society Incorporated Last updated 07/05/2013 "Kia tu te mana o Ngati Ranginui" (Building the prestige and reputation of Ngati Ranginui). Since establishment in 1990 Ngati Ranginui Iwi Society Inc. has been involved in the delivery of a variety of Health & Social Services activities, current...

Approved Family Violence Provider
  • Old Tauranga Post Office Building
  • 51 Willow Street
  • Tauranga
  • Availability: 8.30am - 4.30pm, Monday to Friday.
  • Charges: All services free of charge.
  • Referrals: Referral may apply.
Hauraki Safety Network Last updated 26/02/2013 A member agency of the National Network of Stopping Violence Services, which is a collection of agencies that offer stopping violence programmes for men.

Approved Family Violence Provider
  • 403 Mackay Street
  • Thames
  • 3500
  • Availability: 9.00am - 3pm Monday - Friday Answerphone available after hours.
  • Charges: All services free of charge.
  • Referrals: No referral required.


 SHINE: Safer Homes In New Zealand Everyday Inc Last updated 04/10/2012 Shine (Safer Homes In New Zealand Everyday) is making homes violence free. Shine offers a free national Helpline and a number of innovative services that work to stop domestic abuse.

This provider offers a national helpline service. Approved Family Violence Provider
  • Ground Floor
  • 409 New North Road
  • Kingsland
  • Auckland
  • Availability: Helpline ( 0508 744 633 ) is answered 9am - 11pm, 7 days a week . Our office hours are 8.30am - 5.00pm weekdays.
  • Charges: Some charges may apply.
  • Referrals: Referral may apply.
Kidz Need Dadz Last updated 05/04/2013 Supporting father/child relationships. Support for fathers especially separated fathers Men's Refuge

  • 538 Fraser Street
  • Greerton
  • Tauranga
  • Availability: Phone for information.When office is not manned phone diverts to mobile. Usually answered 24/7. If not leave a message
  • Charges: Some charges may apply.
  • Referrals: No referral required.
Hauraki Safety Network Last updated 26/02/2013 A member agency of the National Network of Stopping Violence Services, which is a collection of agencies that offer stopping violence programmes for men.

Approved Family Violence Provider
  • 403 Mackay Street
  • Thames
  • 3500
  • Availability: 9.00am - 3pm Monday - Friday Answerphone available after hours.
  • Charges: All services free of charge.
  • Referrals: No referral required.
Tauranga Living Without Violence Last updated 11/10/2012 Agency that offers stopping violence group and individual programmes for men and support and education group and individual programmes for women.

Approved Family Violence Provider
  • 26 Twelfth Avenue
  • Tauranga
  • Availability: 9am - 4.30pm(varies) Monday- Friday
  • Charges: Some charges may apply.
  • Referrals: No referral required.
Artists In the Making Last updated 20/11/2012 Artists In The Making is a support group for people with disability, both men and women, in Whitianga and surrounding districts.

  • 4 Arthur Street
  • Whitianga
  • 3510
  • Availability: The programme runs for 2 days per week. Please contact us by writing or phoning to receive the most up-to-date information.
  • Charges: All services free of charge.
  • Referrals: No referral required.
Te Huinga Social Services Trust Last updated 19/06/2013 Mission Statement: "To embrace, strengthen and nurture the holistic wellbeing of Youth/Rangatahi and Families/Whanau in Kawerau and surrounding districts".

  • The KEA Bldg Level 2 West Wing Rooms 20-21
  • 60 Onslow St
  • Kawerau
  • 3127
  • Availability: Mon - Fri 9am-4pm
  • Charges: Some charges may apply.
  • Referrals: Referral may apply.
Poupoua Trust Last updated 24/01/2013 Poupoua Trust is a Kaupapa Maori Health Service that provides mental health and addiction services.

  • 19 Jellicoe Street
  • Te Puke
  • 3153
  • Availability: 9am-5pm Monday to Friday.
  • Charges: All services free of charge.
  • Referrals: Referral may apply.
Family Focus Rotorua Last updated 19/06/2013 Home based support, advocacy, 24hr crisis line, 'listening ear' and education programmes for women and children experiencing domestic violence.

Approved Family Violence Provider
  • 1231 Haupapa Street
  • Rotorua
  • 3010
  • Availability: 9.00am - 5.30pm Monday to Friday.
  • Charges: Some charges may apply.
  • Referrals: No referral required.
Ngati Ranginui Iwi Society Incorporated Last updated 07/05/2013 "Kia tu te mana o Ngati Ranginui" (Building the prestige and reputation of Ngati Ranginui). Since establishment in 1990 Ngati Ranginui Iwi Society Inc. has been involved in the delivery of a variety of Health & Social Services activities, current...

Approved Family Violence Provider
  • Old Tauranga Post Office Building
  • 51 Willow Street
  • Tauranga
  • Availability: 8.30am - 4.30pm, Monday to Friday.
  • Charges: All services free of charge.
  • Referrals: Referral may apply.
Salvation Army - Tauranga Last updated 03/07/2013 A Christian organisation which provides services for communities, families and older people.

Approved Family Violence Provider
  • 51 Fifth Avenue
  • Tauranga
  • Availability: Store hours: 8.30 am - 5 pm Monday to Friday, 9 am - 5pm Saturday. Office hours: 9 am - 4 pm Monday to Friday - appointments preferable.
  • Charges: Some charges may apply.
  • Referrals: No referral required.
Mother Matters Post Natal Therapy Service Ltd Last updated 01/05/2013 Assessment and group therapy programmes for women experiencing post natal depression in Rotorua.


  • Availability: Monday to Friday 9:00am - 5:00pm. Other times by arrangement.
  • Charges: All services free of charge.
  • Referrals: No referral required.


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Information about the Bay of Plenty

Number of people counted

Total population
  • 257,379 people usually live in Bay of Plenty Region. This is an increase of 17,964 people, or 7.5 percent, since the 2001 Census.
  • Its population ranks 5th in size out of the 16 regions in New Zealand.
  • Bay of Plenty Region has 6.4 percent of New Zealand's population.
Population of Bay of Plenty Region and New Zealand, 2006 Census  Region/City/District New Zealand
  • Male  124,812  1,965,618
  • Female  132,567  2,062,329
  • Total  257,379  4,027,947
Māori ethnic population
  • 67,662 Māori usually live in Bay of Plenty Region, an increase of 4,008 people, or 6.3 percent, since the 2001 Census.
  • Its Māori population ranks 3rd in size out of the 16 regions in New Zealand.
  • 12.0 percent of New Zealand's Māori population usually live in Bay of Plenty Region. 
Māori Population of Bay of Plenty Region and New Zealand, 2006 Census  Region/City/District New Zealand
  • Male  32,700  274,860
  • Female  34,962  290,466
  • Total  67,662  565,326
Note: The Māori ethnic population is the count for people of the Māori ethnic group. It includes those people who stated Māori as being either their sole ethnic group or one of several ethnic groups.

Number of dwellings counted
  • There are 96,615 occupied dwellings and 12,042 unoccupied dwellings in Bay of Plenty Region.
  • For New Zealand as a whole, there are 1,478,709 occupied dwellings and 159,276 unoccupied dwellings.
  • There are 900 dwellings under construction in Bay of Plenty Region, compared with 13,560 under construction throughout New Zealand.
Dwellings in Bay of Plenty Region and New Zealand, 2006 Census Dwelling status       Region/City/District New Zealand
  • Occupied Private dwelling  96,165  1,471,746   
  • Non-private dwelling  450  6,963    
  • Total  96,615  1,478,709Unoccupied  12,042  159,276
  • Under construction  900  13,560
  • Total  109,563  1,651,542
Note: This data has been randomly rounded to protect confidentiality. Individual figures may not add up to totals, and values for the same data may vary in different text, tables and graphs. 


Bay of Plenty Region

The Bay of Plenty is a large indentation in the northern coast of New Zealand's North Island. It stretches from the Coromandel Peninsula in the west to Cape Runaway in the east, a wide stretch of some 259 km of open coastline. The Bay of Plenty Region is situated around this body of water, also incorporating several large islands in the bay.
History The Bay of Plenty was the first part of New Zealand to be settled by the Māori.[1] The name "Bay of Plenty" originated with James Cook during his 1769–70 exploration of New Zealand, who noted the abundant resources in the area. The Māori name for the bay is Te Moana-a-Toi ("the sea of Toi"), a reference to the ancestral explorer Toi-te-huatahi.[2]

In the 1830s, Europeans began to settle in the area.[1]

On 5 October 2011, the MV Rena ran aground on the Astrolabe Reef off the coast of the Bay of Plenty causing a large oil spill.[3][4] The spill is described as New Zealand's worst ever environmental disaster.[5]

Geography Pukehina Beach, Bay of Plenty, New Zealand The coastline from Waihi Beach in the west to Opape is defined as sandy coast, while the coast from Opape to Cape Runaway is rocky shore.[6]

Sizeable harbours are located at Tauranga, Whakatane and Ohiwa. Major estuaries include Maketu, Little Waihi, Whakatane, Waiotahi and Waioeka/Otara. Eight major rivers empty into the bay from inland catchments, including Wairoa River, Kaituna, Tarawera, Rangitaiki, Whakatane, Waioeka, Motu and Raukokore Rivers.[7]

The bay contains numerous islands, notably the active volcano Whakaari / White Island, which lies 50 kilometres from the North Island coast in the eastern bay. Other large islands include (from west to east) Matakana Island, Mayor Island / Tuhua, Motiti Island, and Moutohora Island.

Population The coast of the bay is dotted with several sizable settlements, the largest of which is the conurbation of the city of Tauranga and its neighbour Mount Maunganui in the west. The town of Whakatane is located in the centre of the coast. Other towns of note include Waihi Beach, Katikati, Maketu, and Opotiki. The market town of Te Puke lies a short distance inland from the bay coast.

Most of the population along the bay's coast is concentrated in the western and central parts of the shore; the eastern part of the bay is sparsely populated hill country.

Economy and human use The Port of Tauranga is the hub of economic activity in the region. The bay is a popular area for pleasure boating and game fishing, especially in the area around the foot of the Coromandel Peninsula at the bay's western end. Tauranga is New Zealand's largest commercial port, with the Port of Tauranga handling large consignments of timber from the forested regions of the island's interior.

The favourable climatic and growing conditions around the bay's coast make this area a major fruit- and vegetable-growing region, with major crops including kiwifruit and apples. There is also productive pastoral land along the coast utilised for sheep and dairy farming.

Tourism The Bay of Plenty is a popular holiday destination in New Zealand's North Island. This is owing to the warm and sunny climate during Summer and proximity to public beaches.