Lifeline Aotearoa reduces operating hours due to funding constraints

Lifeline Aotearoa, one of New Zealand’s longest-running mental health helplines, is reducing its operating hours due to significant and ongoing funding challenges.

Its new operating hours are 7.00am – midnight, seven days per week. There will be no service between midnight and 7.00am.

Since 1 March 2025, Lifeline has been trialling reduced hours, which has led to missed calls and texts. Without sustainable funding, the organisation cannot continue full 24/7 operations.

In the financial year ending 30 June 2025, Lifeline and the Tautoko suicide crisis helplines responded to more than 40,000 calls, exchanged over 182,000 texts, and created 4,736 safety plans for people at high risk of suicide or self-harm. 

Lifeline, a service provided by Presbyterian Support Northern (PSN), has been supporting New Zealanders for more than 60 years, including confidential helpline and text services for people at high risk of suicide or self-harm, or those struggling with their mental health. 

“Despite its vital role in New Zealand’s mental health response network, Lifeline receives no government funding. Our annual shortfall is more than $2 million, which we have to find every year,” said Presbyterian Support Northern Chief Executive, Shaun Greaves. 

“Lifeline saves lives every week and remains a critical frontline service in New Zealand’s suicide prevention network. However, without immediate government support, Lifeline’s ability to deliver the critical service New Zealand desperately needs, is a serious concern.”

Please update your helpline service listings for Lifeline as follows.

0800 LIFELINE – general community helpline.
0508 TAUTOKO – suicide crisis helpline.
Text support services on 4357 – confidential SMS support for those who may not feel safe speaking aloud.

All operating 7.00am – midnight, seven days per week.

Media Contact: Amy Robens, Group Account Director, Wright Communications. Amy.robens@wrightcommunications.co.nz  021 399 544