If you need to talk to someone today, call OutLine on 0800 688 5463 (every evening, 6pm–9pm). It is a free, confidential support line for rainbow, takatāpui and MVPFAFF+ people across Aotearoa, answered by trained LGBTQIA+ volunteers. If you are in danger right now, call 111. For 24/7 help, call or text 1737.
This guide lists the main rainbow support services in New Zealand, what each one does, and who it is for, so you can go straight to the right place. Every service below was checked on 9 November 2026.
Help right now: national helplines
These lines work anywhere in New Zealand. OutLine is rainbow-specific; the others are general services that support rainbow callers too.
| Service | Phone / text | When | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| OutLine Aotearoa | 0800 688 5463 (0800 OUTLINE), online chat | Every evening, 6pm–9pm | Rainbow people of any age, whānau and anyone questioning |
| 1737 Need to talk? | Call or text 1737 | 24/7 | Anyone who needs to talk to a trained counsellor |
| Lifeline | 0800 543 354, text 4357 | 24/7 | Crisis and emotional support |
| Youthline | 0800 376 633, text 234 | 24/7 | Young people |
| Samaritans | 0800 726 666 | 24/7 | Anyone feeling lonely or in distress |
| 0800 What’s Up | 0800 942 8787 | See website | Children and teens |
Trans and non-binary support
- Gender Minorities Aotearoa is a nationwide transgender organisation run by and for transgender people. Its resource pages cover ID changes, healthcare and peer support.
- OutLine runs peer support for trans and non-binary people in Tāmaki Makaurau Auckland, and support for survivors of conversion practices across the country.
- Gender Dynamix of Aotearoa offers mental health support for transgender, non-binary and gender diverse people in the Bay of Plenty.
- Counting Ourselves runs the national health survey of trans and non-binary people and keeps a list of support groups.
Changing your name or the sex on your birth certificate? See our step-by-step guide: how to change the sex on your NZ birth certificate.
Young people and schools
- RainbowYOUTH works with rainbow young people aged 13 to 27, with peer support groups and drop-in spaces. It also publishes clear guides on name changes and ID.
- InsideOUT Kōaro is a national charity that helps schools and youth services become safer for rainbow and takatāpui young people, with resources, workshops and regional coordinators. Phone 027 331 4507.
- Q-Youth supports young rainbow people in Nelson and Tasman.
Takatāpui, Pasifika and ethnic communities
- Takatāpui.nz is a resource hub for takatāpui and their whānau. New to the word? Read what takatāpui means.
- Village Collective – Rainbow Fale is a hub for young Pacific peoples in Auckland.
- F’INE Pasifika Aotearoa Trust offers whānau ora navigation for Pacific rainbow people in Auckland.
- Adhikaar Aotearoa supports queer and trans people of colour, especially South Asian and ethnic communities.
- Indian Origin Pride New Zealand runs peer support and social events.
- Rainbow Path offers advocacy and peer support for rainbow refugees and asylum seekers.
Sexual health and HIV
- Burnett Foundation Aotearoa (formerly the NZ AIDS Foundation) offers rapid HIV testing, STI screening and counselling. Freephone 0800 802 437.
- Body Positive provides peer support for people living with HIV. Freephone 0800 448 5463.
Sexual harm and family violence
Hohou Te Rongo Kahukura – Outing Violence is survivor-led and offers free, confidential support for takatāpui and rainbow survivors of sexual harm.
Regional rainbow groups
| Region | Group | What they do |
|---|---|---|
| Waikato | Rainbow Hub Waikato | Youth and adult groups, community education |
| Wellington | Rainbow Wellington | Connects Wellington rainbow communities |
| Christchurch and South Island | Qtopia | Advocacy and support |
| Bay of Plenty | Gender Dynamix | Trans and gender diverse mental health support |
| Nelson Tasman | Q-Youth | Youth support |
Faith communities
Diverse Church NZ supports rainbow people of faith.
Looking for a rainbow-friendly counsellor, doctor or business?
Support services are the first step. For day-to-day life, the Rainbow Directory lists New Zealand businesses and professionals who welcome rainbow customers, from counsellors and health practitioners to trades and shops. If you run one, you can list your business free.
Frequently asked questions
Is OutLine only for people who are out?
No. OutLine supports anyone questioning their sexuality or gender, plus friends and whānau.
What if I need help outside 6pm–9pm?
Call or text 1737, or call Lifeline on 0800 543 354. Both answer 24/7. In an emergency, call 111.
Are these services free?
The helplines listed here are free to call. Some groups charge for workshops or training for organisations.
Sources
- OutLine Aotearoa
- Healthify: LGBTTQIA+ support services (last reviewed 11 May 2026)
- Find a Helpline: New Zealand
- InsideOUT Kōaro
Checked 9 November 2026. Services change; if a number here is wrong, tell us.
