You Are Not Alone - M8TZ Northland, New Zealand

​​M8TZ is a network of everyday people of all cultures and ethnicity (including teens, elders and lgbt+) who are trained to meet with a person in crisis or isolation at a local cafe, and provide emotional support and encouragement.​
​M8TZ will empower your life so you can in turn empower the lives of others in need.

M8TZ are here:

To help people of all ages, gender, culture, ethnicity and personal beliefs through the challenges and tough times of life including relationship breakdown, depression, anxiety, loss and grief, bullying, loneliness and isolation. M8TZ are trained to be there for someone in need and helping them through a point of crisis in their life. It's not about therapy, fixing or giving advice, just simply listening and helping them to find new direction in their life.

Northland, New Zealand - M8TZ Network

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

M8tz is purely about saving lives. Do you realise one person completes suicide every 13 hours in New Zealand because they are unable to stand the emotional trauma they are undergoing, often caused by relationship breakdown.

Every 4 minutes 1 New Zealander has suicidal thoughts and needs a MATE to turn to.

M8TZ 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...​
​

Northland Region

M8TZ North Island Centres (Click Here)  /  M8TZ South Island Centres (Click Here)

Support Services in Northland

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.
Lifeline Aotearoa – Northland Last updated 13/12/2012 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.

  • 155A Kamo Road
  • Kensington
  • Whangarei
  • Availability:
  • Charges: All services free of charge.
  • Referrals: No referral required.
Mid-North Women's Aid & Refuge Last updated 19/06/2013 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: 24 hour crisis line  0800 733 843  REFUGE
  • Charges: Some charges may apply.
  • Referrals: No referral required.
Tryphina House Last updated 01/07/2013 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: 24 hour crisis line  0800 733 843  REFUGE
  • Charges: All services free of charge.
  • Referrals: No referral required.
Hauora Whanui - Kawakawa Last updated 09/08/2012 Hauora Whanui covers Community Nursing, Tupuna Waiora/Mental Health, Drug and Alcohol Services, Dental, Whakatairanga Hauora (Health Promotion), Outreach GP Clinics and Disability Support Services.

  •  (09) 404 1551 
  •  (0800) 73 75 73 
  • 2/4 Rayner Street
  • Kawakawa
  • Availability: 8.30am - 5.00pm Monday to Friday
  • Charges: All services free of charge.
  • Referrals: No referral required.
Victim Support - Kaipara 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 - Far North 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 - Mid North 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.
Lifecare Community Services Last updated 20/08/2012 Lifecare Community Services is the community arm of Christian Renewal Trust Inc. We provide various faith based services, support groups and events.

  • 2-6 Tarewa Road
  • Morningside
  • Whangarei
  • 0110
  • Availability: 8:30 - 3pm, Monday to Friday (reception)
  • Charges: Some charges may apply.
  • Referrals: No referral required.
Victim Support - Whangarei 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.
Whare Timatatanga Hou Ora Incorporated Last updated 19/06/2013 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
  • 249 Commerce Street
  • Kaitaia
  • 0441
  • Availability: 9am - 4:00pm Monday - Friday 24 hour crisis line  0800 733 843  REFUGE
  • Charges: Some charges may apply.
  • Referrals: No referral required.
Te Puna O Te Aroha - Maori Women's Refuge Last updated 19/06/2013 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: Offices open 9am - 5pm We also operate a 24hours crisis line - Ph  (09)4372127 
  • Charges: All services free of charge.
  • Referrals: No referral required.
Whangarei Rape Crisis Last updated 20/06/2013 We provide 24 hour crisis support for victims of rape and work towards the elimination of rape and sexual violence against women and children. We welcome all Women to come and enjoy the space and add to the energies that promote self empowerment ...

Approved Family Violence Provider
  • 114A Roberts Street
  • Whangarei
  • 0110
  • Availability: Office open Monday to Friday, 9.00am - 3.00pm. Crisis Line 24 Hours.
  • Charges: All services free of charge.
  • Referrals: No referral required.
Mid North Family Support, Rape Crisis and Youth Services. Last updated 29/04/2013 Provides free, unique, and holistic social services to improve the lives of children, youth, women, families, and individuals through support, assistance, information, and education. We offer the following services: counselling, social work, suppo...

Approved Family Violence Provider
  • Kingston House
  • 123 Hone Heke Road
  • Kerikeri
  • Availability: Monday to Friday 8.30am - 2.30pm. Messages are checked regularly after hours, referral numbers are recorded on message. By appointments only please.
  • 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.
Ngati Hau Health & Social Services Last updated 05/06/2013 Educational course for men to change from a violent and/or abusive lifestyle.

Approved Family Violence Provider
  • 99 Ngunguru Road
  • Glenbervie
  • Whangarei
  • 0144
  • Availability: Monday - Friday 8:30am - 3:30pm.
  • Charges: Some charges may apply.
  • Referrals: No referral required.
Bream Bay Community Support Trust Last updated 15/02/2013 Family Violence Prevention Services, Education & Awareness, Whanau Support, Youth Mentoring, Community Development.

Approved Family Violence Provider
  • - Takutai Place
  • Ruakaka
  • Availability: 8am - 4pm, Monday to Friday.
  • Charges: All services free of charge.
  • Referrals: No referral required.
Aupouri Social Services Last updated 25/10/2012 To promote and enhance the safety and well-being of the Tamariki/Mokopuna and their Whanau of and within Te Aupouri. We pride our service as being very competent and efficient and offer a high level of professionalism and confidentiality. Staff m...

  • 7 Melba Street
  • Kaitaia
  • 0410
  • Availability: 8.30am - 4.30pm Monday to Friday.
  • Charges: All services free of charge.
  • Referrals: No referral required.


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Information about Northland

Number of people counted

Total population
  • 148,470 people usually live in Northland Region. This is an increase of 8,337 people, or 5.9 percent, since the 2001 Census.
  • Its population ranks 8th in size out of the 16 regions in New Zealand.
  • Northland Region has 3.7 percent of New Zealand's population.
Population of Northland Region and New Zealand, 2006 Census  Region/City/District New Zealand
  • Male  72,843  1,965,618
  • Female  75,627  2,062,329
  • Total  148,470  4,027,947
Māori ethnic population
  • 43,527 Māori usually live in Northland Region, an increase of 2,793 people, or 6.9 percent, since the 2001 Census.
  • Its Māori population ranks 5th in size out of the 16 regions in New Zealand.
  • 7.7 percent of New Zealand's Māori population usually live in Northland Region. 
Māori Population of Northland Region and New Zealand, 2006 Census  Region/City/District New Zealand
  • Male  20,973  274,860
  • Female  22,554  290,466
  • Total  43,527  565,329
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 55,932 occupied dwellings and 11,097 unoccupied dwellings in Northland Region.
  • For New Zealand as a whole, there are 1,478,709 occupied dwellings and 159,273 unoccupied dwellings.
  • There are 819 dwellings under construction in Northland Region, compared with 13,560 under construction throughout New Zealand.
Dwellings in Northland Region and New Zealand, 2006 Census Dwelling status       Region/City/District New Zealand     
  • Occupied Private dwelling  55,527  1,471,746    
  • Non-private dwelling  405  6,963    
  • Total  55,932  1,478,709
  • Unoccupied  11,097  159,273
  • Under construction  819  13,560
  • Total  67,845  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.

Northland Region

The Northland Region' (Māori: Te Tai-tokerau, also Te Hiku-o-te-Ika, 'the Tail of the Fish (of Maui)), one of the 16 regions of New Zealand, is, as the name suggests, the northernmost of New Zealand's administrative regions. The main centre is the city of Whangarei.
Geography Northland is located in what is often referred to by New Zealanders as the Far North, or, because of its mild climate, The Winterless North. It occupies the upper 80% of the 285 kilometre-long North Auckland Peninsula, the southernmost part of which is in the Auckland Region.[2]

Stretching from a narrowing of the peninsula close to the town of Wellsford, Northland extends north to the tip of the North Auckland Peninsula, covering an area of 13,940 km², a little over five per cent of the country's total area. It is bounded to the west by the Tasman Sea, and to the east by the Pacific Ocean. The land is predominantly rolling hill country. Farming and forestry occupy over half of the land, and are two of the region's main industries.[2]

Although many of the region's kauri forests were felled during the 19th century, some areas still exist where this rare giant grows tall. New Zealand's largest tree, Tane Mahuta, stands in the Waipoua Forest south of the Hokianga Harbour.

The western coast of the region is dominated by several long straight beaches, the most famous of which is the inaccurately named 88 kilometre-long stretch of Ninety Mile Beach in the region's far north. Two large inlets are also located on this coast, the massive Kaipara Harbour in the south, which Northland shares with the Auckland Region, and the convoluted inlets of the Hokianga Harbour.

The east coast is more rugged, and is dotted with bays and peninsulas. Several large natural harbours are found on this coast, from Parengarenga close to the region's northern tip, past the famous Bay of Islands down to Whangarei Harbour, on the shores of which is situated the region's largest population centre. Numerous islands dot this coast, notably the Cavalli Islands, the Hen and Chickens Islands, Aorangaia Island and the Poor Knights Islands.

The northernmost points of the North Island mainland lie at the top of Northland. These include several points often confused in the public mind as being the country's northernmost points: Cape Maria van Diemen, Spirits Bay, Cape Reinga, and North Cape. The northernmost point of the North Island is actually the Surville Cliffs, close to North Cape, although the northernmost point of the country is further north in the Kermadec chain of islands. Cape Reinga and Spirits Bay do, however, have a symbolic part to play as the end of the country. In Māori mythology, it is from here that the souls of the dead depart on their journey to the afterlife.

Climate The region of Northland has a sub-tropical oceanic climate with warm humid summers and mild wet winters. Due to its latitude and low elevation, Northland has the country's highest average annual temperature.[3] However, as with other parts of New Zealand, climate conditions are variable. In summer, temperatures range from 22 °C to 26 °C, occasionally rising above 30°C. In winter, maximum temperatures vary between 14 °C and 20 °C.[4]

Ground frosts are rare due to the region being encircled by the moderating Pacific and Tasman waters; however light frosts do occur infrequently around Dargaville in the lowlands.[3] The hottest months are January and February due to the presence of an El Niño pressure system. In January 2009, excessive sunlight hours and below-average rainfall resulted in the region being declared a drought zone.[5]

Typical annual rainfall for the region is 1500–2000 mm but varies at different altitudes. Northland has an average of 2000 sunshine hours annually.[6] Winds are predominantly from the southwest. Occasionally in summer, the region experiences stormy conditions from former cyclones which generally become much weaker once they leave tropical latitudes.[4]

Administration The seat of the Northland Regional Council is in Whangarei. There are three territorial authorities in the Northland region:

 Population Kauri tree Agathis australis. Northland is New Zealand's least urbanised region, with 50% of the population of 158,200 living in urban areas. Of these areas, Whangarei is the largest, with a population of 52,200 (June 2011 estimates).[1] Eight other centres have populations of over 1000: Russell, Kaitaia, Dargaville, Kaikohe, Paihia, Kerikeri, Taipa-Mangonui, and Kawakawa. The population is largely concentrated along the region's east coast. During the five year period up to 2006, Northland recorded a population growth of 6.0 percent, slightly below the national average. Northland includes one of the fastest growing towns in New Zealand, Mangawhai which is expanding rapidly due to residential and subsequent commercial development.

Māori refer to Northland — and by extension its Māori people — as Te Tai-tokerau (the northern tide) and Māori language and traditions are strong there.[7] The Māori population in the region was 43,530 according to the 2006 Census, or 7.7 percent of the total Māori population. Half were under the age of 23.4 years. Major tribal groups include Ngāpuhi, Te Aupōuri, Te Rarawa, Ngāti Kahu, Ngāti Kurī and Ngāti Whātua.[8]

Over the last 10 years[when?] Northland's population has defied national (and worldwide) trends by becoming increasingly rural. Approximately one third of the region's population are Māori, the majority of the remainder being of European lineage. Compared to the rest of the country Pacific Islanders are under-represented in Northland. Although most of the region's European population are of British stock (as is true with the rest of the country), certain other ethnicities have left their mark on the Northland racial mix. Of these the most influential have probably been the Dalmatian community from the Dargaville area north, with a particularly strong heritage around Kaitaia.

History Kerikeri, Bay of Islands.
Stone Store at left, St James at rear, and Kemp House on the right. According to Māori legend, the North Island of New Zealand was an enormous fish, caught by the adventurer Māui. For this reason, Northland sometimes goes by the nickname of "The tail of the fish", Te Hiku o Te Ika.

Northland iwi claim that Kupe made landfall at the Hokianga (although others claim this was at Taipa) in the northwest of Northland, and thus the region claims that it was the birthplace of New Zealand. Some of the oldest traces of Māori kainga (fishing villages), can be found here.

If the Māori regard the region as the legendary birthplace of the country, there can be no doubt that it was the European starting-point for the modern nation of New Zealand. Traders, whalers and sealers were among the first arrivals, and the gum and timber of the mighty kauri trees brought more colonisers.

Kerikeri in the Bay of Islands can lay claim to being the first permanent European settlement in New Zealand, and contains many historic buildings, including the Stone Store, New Zealand's oldest extant building.

The nearby settlement of Waitangi was of even more significance, as the signing place of New Zealand's founding document, the Treaty of Waitangi between the Māori tribes and the British Crown, on 6 February 1840.

Economy The sub-national GDP of the Northland region was estimated at US$3.243 billion in 2003, 2% of New Zealand's national GDP.[9]

The region's economy is based on agriculture (notably beef cattle), fishing, forestry, and horticulture. Citrus fruit makes up the majority of the latter industry, with lemons, oranges, and tamarillos all being produced. Avocados are also widely grown, as well as kumara (especially in Ruawai part of the Kaipara district). Olives are also being grown on the Aupouri Peninsula.[10]

Extensive forests are a feature of the Northland landscape. For this reason wood and paper manufacturing industries also make a large contribution to the region's economy.[10]

Northland is a favourite tourist destination, especially to the Bay of Islands and the historic town of Kerikeri. Diving and fishing are also popular visitor activities, especially around the Bay of Islands and the Poor Knights island chain.

Northland is home to New Zealand's only oil refinery, at Marsden Point, close to Whangarei. New Zealand's natural fuel resources in Taranaki account for a little under half of the refinery's intake, with the rest coming predominantly from the Middle East. The nearby Marsden A thermal power station originally utilised heavy oil from the refinery for electricity production, but no longer does so.

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