If someone is in immediate danger, call 111. 1737 (Need to talk?) is New Zealand's free call and text service for emotional support. You can free call or text 1737 any time, and you will talk with a trained counsellor. This guide explains what happens when you reach out, who answers, and when to call 111 instead.
The Wellbeing Sessions is an independent library. We are not affiliated with 1737, Whakarongorau Aotearoa or any service listed here, and we are not a health provider or a crisis service. Details can change, so check 1737.org.nz before you rely on anything below.
Key points
- Free call or text 1737 any time, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
- The service is free and confidential.
- Trained counsellors and peer support workers answer.
- It is brief emotional support. You refer yourself, so you do not need a doctor or a referral.
- If someone is in immediate danger of harming themselves or others, call 111.
What is 1737?
1737 is a national mental health and addictions support service. Its own website describes “free, confidential support” that is open 24/7. Healthpoint describes it as New Zealand's national mental health and addictions service. Counsellors offer brief one-to-one support, self-care ideas, and referrals to other services.
People use 1737 when they feel anxious, down or overwhelmed, or just want to talk. You do not need to be in crisis. It is called “Need to talk?” for a reason.
Is 1737 free?
Yes. Healthpoint says the service is “completely free”, and 1737.org.nz calls it free support. That covers both calling and texting.
How does 1737 work?
You call or text 1737 from your phone. You will talk, or text, with a trained counsellor. Healthpoint says it is self-referral only, which means you can reach out yourself.
The service is for brief support. A counsellor can listen, share ideas for looking after yourself, and point you to other help if that would be useful. It is not long-term counselling. For options that last longer, see our guide to free counselling and mental health support in New Zealand.
Who answers when you call or text 1737?
1737.org.nz says you can reach “trained counsellors and peer support workers”. Peer support means someone with lived experience of mental distress. The Mental Health Foundation says that if you call, you can choose the “peer support” option in the first stage of the call. That option runs daily between 2pm and 10pm.
The service is powered by Whakarongorau Aotearoa, also known as New Zealand Telehealth Services.
1737 at a glance
| Question | Answer | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Cost | Free | 1737.org.nz; Healthpoint |
| Hours | 24 hours a day, 7 days a week | 1737.org.nz; Healthpoint |
| Call or text | Call or text 1737 | 1737.org.nz |
| Who answers | Trained counsellors and peer support workers | 1737.org.nz |
| Peer support on calls | Choose the peer support option, daily 2pm to 10pm | Mental Health Foundation |
| Who runs it | Whakarongorau Aotearoa (New Zealand Telehealth Services) | 1737.org.nz; Healthpoint |
| Confidential | Described as confidential support | 1737.org.nz |
What can you talk about on 1737?
Almost anything that is weighing on you. The Health NZ website says 1737 is for people who feel anxious, down or overwhelmed, or who just want to talk. You do not need the right words. Saying “I need to talk” is enough to begin.
Is 1737 confidential?
1737.org.nz describes the support as “confidential”. The page does not spell out the details, and it links to a privacy page. If you want to know exactly how your information is handled, read the privacy information on 1737.org.nz before you call.
When should you call 111 instead of 1737?
Call 111 if someone is in immediate danger of harming themselves or others. 1737.org.nz asks you to call 111 from a mobile or landline in that case. For a mental health emergency that is not immediate danger, it says to contact your local Crisis team.
If you are not sure, it is fine to call 111. Emergency services can help you decide what to do next.
Are there other free helplines?
Yes. For example, 1737.org.nz lists the Alcohol Drug Helpline for advice, information and support about drinking or other drug use. Free call 0800 787 797 or text 8681. Other services are covered in the guide linked above.
What else can you do while you wait or afterwards?
Some people like a simple calming exercise alongside talking to someone. Try box breathing or browse the free practices. If you want a gentle way to think about whole-person wellbeing, see Te Whare Tapa Whā. You can also explore all our guides and resources. These are self-guided and are not a replacement for talking to a person.
FAQs about 1737
Is 1737 free?
Yes. Healthpoint says the service is completely free, and 1737.org.nz describes free, confidential support that is open 24/7.
Can you text 1737?
Yes. 1737.org.nz says you can call or text 1737 for brief emotional support with trained counsellors and peer support workers.
What is 1737 Need to Talk?
It is New Zealand's national mental health and addictions support service. You can call or text 1737 any time to talk with a trained counsellor, and it is powered by Whakarongorau Aotearoa.
Who answers 1737 calls?
Trained counsellors and peer support workers answer. On calls, you can choose the peer support option in the first stage of the call, daily between 2pm and 10pm.
Should I call 1737 or 111?
Call 111 if someone is in immediate danger of harming themselves or others. For emotional support that is not an emergency, free call or text 1737.
