About PSNZ

Empowering people, families and communities for more than 100 years.

Presbyterian Support New Zealand (PSNZ) is a federation of the seven Presbyterian Support organisations in New Zealand – Northern, Central, East Coast, Upper South Island, South Canterbury, Otago and Southland.

The seven Presbyterian Support organisations are governed, managed and operated separately providing local services in each region. They come together under the PSNZ federation to share information, best practice ideas and where possible resources across the country.

Collectively, we are one of the largest providers of social and health services in the country.

PSNZ supports older people, people with disabilities, at risk families as well as children, families, and whānau to thrive.

Our vision

PSNZ’s vision is for empowered and connected whānau and communities. Our mission is to foster well-being through advocacy and support. Our services for tamariki and their whānau are provided by Family Works, while services for older people are provided by Enliven.

Our work

The work we do strengthens and promotes the services of the seven Presbyterian Support organisations, to empower communities and support positive change.

Our goals

PSNZ’s strategies for supporting local Presbyterian Support services and communities are centred around:

Whanaungatanga and collaboration
Innovation
Sustainability
Raising our voice for the vulnerable

How we got here

At a time when basic social welfare systems were not in place, local Presbyterian communities established welfare services to address this need.

PSNZ was formed in 1983 to provide a cooperative forum for the seven autonomous regions – Northern, Central, East Coast, Upper South Island, South Canterbury, Otago and Southland.

While we operate as a separate entity to the Presbyterian Church, our name is a celebration of our beginnings, our heritage and the values we share. We are a charitable organisation registered with the Charities Services of the Department of Internal Affairs.