About family centres
Family centres provide a free service, staffed by Plunket nurses, Plunket Community Karitane, Plunket Kaiāwhina, community staff and volunteers. They offer practical support and information on different whānau topics that may include:
- breastfeeding
- infant nutrition
- infant massage
- growth and development
- sleeping and settling
- child behaviour
- parent/family needs
- family social support
- car seat information
- community classes
- playgroups.
Scheduling a visit
You can use the Plunket Near me search tool on our website to see if there is a family centre near you. (First select your region and/or district and suburb and click 'Search', then click 'Filter by service' and check 'Family Centre'.)
You’ll need to talk to the family centre staff to arrange a visit for you and your tamariki.
In some areas community Karitane and Plunket Kaiāwhina provide additional support in homes, clinics, preschools and marae.
In areas where there is no family centre, Plunket staff can provide additional support in homes, clinics, preschools, marae and sometimes, through a virtual service.
