Some health workers at Health NZ public hospitals and services are planning to strike on Thursday 23 October to 7am on Friday 24 October. Emergency departments will be open for emergencies only. Strikes planned for 23 to 24 October 2025external link
Social workers Tauwhiro
Social workers advise, support and advocate for people with personal or social problems.
What social workers do
What a social worker does depends on the area they work in, but they may:
- help with the wellbeing of tamariki, rangatahi, whānau and their communities
- help people find resources such as information, accommodation, benefits, home services and community groups
- talk to and counsel people about their problems and advise them of their rights
- help people with crises and support vulnerable people.
Social workers work with people of all ages, from pēpi to older adults. They usually specialise in areas such as:
- health
- drugs and alcohol
- family harm.
Social workers may be able to help you and your whānau with arranging financial support, emotional support and other services within the community.
They work in a range of settings, including:
- schools
- hospitals
- government agencies
- community agencies.
Social workers are trained to understand cultural needs and are guided by Te Tiriti o Waitangi | the Treaty of Waitangi.
Finding a social worker
You can get help finding a social worker through:
- your healthcare provider
- a government agency such as Oranga Tamariki
- hospitals
- schools
- community agencies.
Search for a social worker on Healthpoint.
Social work services — HealthpointCost of seeing a social worker
A social worker's services are free if you meet the criteria of the service or agency. Needs assessment can be accessed through a hospital or your healthcare provider.