Services
“The Waitaki team helped me from the beginning with everything, through them I met new friends, they helped me find legal advice and different opportunities to work at events so that people can get to know my artistic works: I am so thankful I found them when I came to Oamaru.”
When you are new to town you will have many questions where to go and what to do to organise your new life.
We are here to help you feel at home, direct you to the most relevant services in Waitaki, and assist you with solving problems you may encounter, so you can find your own way as quickly as possible!
Please select the topic of your question below and read the information that will connect you with the best person or organisation to assist you with your query.
If you cannot find what you were looking for, please contact our Coordinator by phone or email.
Are you keen to meet other newcomers and locals? Then please check out our events page for our upcoming activities and events. Many activities are free of charge and welcome English and English-as-a-second-language speakers.
We are looking forward to meeting you soon!
Education & Language
Confused about kindergarten, day-care, day centre, pre-school? Or not sure about some Kiwi daily expressions? Talk to us!
Download our education information card PDF. Click on the image to download it.
Learn English
English Conversation Class
Join us at us at English Conversation Class. Find out when and where at our Events page.
English Language Partners
Enrol with English Language Partners for Oamaru English classes.
Employment
Not sure when and where you can work? Talk to us!
Employment PDF (click image to download)
Download our PDF with employment information relevant to Waitaki.
Finance and IRD
Questions about taxes, opening a bank account or finances? Talk to us!
Banks & Money
How to open a bank account:
Where to get Financial Advice
North Otago Budget Advisory Service
IRD – Tax Returns
Inland Revenue Department NZ
Health and Safety
Not sure how to enrol at a doctor’s practice, hospital services or what health checks are free of charge? Talk to us!
Find a doctor
Download our PDF with health information relevant to Waitaki. Click on the image to download it.
Crime & Hazards
(Flooding, Fires, Earthquakes) – https://getready.govt.nz/emergency/
Housing
Download our PDF with housing information relevant to Waitaki.
Click on the image to download it.
Immigration and Travel
“They helped us with resources and information sessions with Immigration NZ during a very uncertain time.”
Residency & Visas
Immigration New Zealand
Driving and travel
How to get a NZ driving license
Article written by the Citizens Advice Bureau
Total Mobility Scheme
If you have a disability and cannot drive.
Bus Transportation
2 websites if you need to travel by bus
Taxis Oamaru
Oamaru Taxi Service
Places
Please find community and recreational places that are important to know:
Churches
There are many in Oamaru and Waitaki and it is best to search on the internet or ask us.
Citizens Advice Bureau
100 Thames Street
Oamaru
Community House
100 Thames Street, Oamaru
Home of various support organisations.
Library Oamaru
62 Thames Street, Oamaru
Various locations in the Waitaki District.
Newspapers
Oamaru Mail
Oamaru Telegram
Waitaki Aquatic Centre
5 Steward Street, Oamaru
Oamaru swimming pool.
Waitaki Community Recreation Centre
43 Orwell Street, Oamaru
Offers a variety of programs for young and old.
Waitaki District Council
20 Thames Street, Oamaru
For all council related matters.
Waitaki Police
18 Severn Street, Oamaru
Local Police Station
Visitor Information Centre
Whitestone City Building, 12 Harbour Street, Oamaru
Social
“Migrants Meet and Share allowed us to meet other people in a similar position. We made a lot of friends there.”
Feeling lonely and keen to meet people? Talk to us! or check out our events in the Events section!
Find Communities & Support Groups
Download our PDF with community information relevant to Waitaki. Click on the image to download it.
Ethnic Groups in Waitaki
Oamaru Pacific Island Community Groups
22-26 Ribble Street, Oamaru
Oamaru Chinese Association
Filipino Waitaki
Waitaki Fijian Community
Find activities in the local newspapers event section (ODT/Telegram) or on our activities and events page