Clothing support

Nationwide

KidsCan(external link)
Cold, hungry, or unable to attend school at all, many children fall behind, missing out on learning, and with it, the chance of a better future. KidsCan helps remove some of these barriers by providing food, jackets, shoes, and basic health items to over 1,100 schools and early childhood centres across Aotearoa New Zealand.

The Nest Collective(external link)
Based in different locations around Aotearoa New Zealand, the Nest Collective provides packs with essentials for the first year of life (and beyond) such as clothing, bedding, books, toys, toiletries, safety items and more. They include new, pre-loved, handcrafted and repurposed items. Accessed through a midwife or health professional on behalf of family. 

The Salvation Army NZFTS(external link)
Around Aotearoa New Zealand, the Salvation Army provides short-term assistance with food, clothing, and furniture etc. You can Freephone 0800 53 00 00 to find your nearest community ministry centre for support.

Variety New Zealand – The Children's Charity(external link)
Individual grants (one off payments) are available to support children with everyday essentials such as bedding, clothes, shoes, school uniform, beds, medical fees, equipment, technology and extracurricular activities.  

Kiwi Kid Sponsorship (KKS) provides ongoing support for children 4 to 17 years of age. Children are matched to a sponsor who helps pay for the cost of essentials such as clothing, bedding, school uniforms and stationery, school camp and after-school activities like swimming or music lesson. 

Work and Income(external link)
They provide a clothing allowance as a weekly payment if you get Orphan's Benefit or Unsupported Child's Benefit for children in your care, to help you pay for their clothing.

Regional

Clothed in Love – Christchurch(external link)  
Clothed in Love helps Christchurch families in need by providing them with free good quality pre-loved or new clothing for their children. You can request a pack by filling in the form on their website. 

Dress for Success Auckland  (external link)
They can help by providing a complete outfit including new or pre-loved clothing, shoes, handbag, jewellery and make-up that's appropriate for the workplace. They also provide appropriate clothing for women who are to attend court appearances, housing appointments, work experience and study.  

Central Auckland and Manukau showrooms are open Monday to Friday with appointments available:  
 
Central Showroom – phone 09 377 2762 or email [email protected] (external link)
Manukau Showroom – phone 0204 377 276 or email [email protected] (external link)

Helping families – Nelson(external link)
52 Lower Queen Street, Richmond. Open Tuesday and Friday 10am–1pm (excluding holidays) 
Items available: clothing, school uniforms, bedding, toys, books and car seats. 
You can contact them through the website. 

It Takes a Village Hub (ITAV) – Canterbury(external link) 
The ITAV Baby bundle is a care package available for families and individuals with a baby up to 12 months old. The care package can include essential items such as clothing, bedding, nappies, wipes, bath product, and toys. 
The ITAV Toddler bundle is a care package families and individuals with a child 1 to 5 years of age. Apply on their website.  

Loving Arms – Waikato(external link) 
Support available for parents or caregivers of a newborn or infant in Waikato. You can refer yourself. Since being established in 2014, Loving Arms has helped over 6000 Waikato babies and their families by distributing donated baby items, including clothing, bedding, nappies, toiletries, cots, car seats and prams.

Nurturing Families – Auckland(external link) 
Crisis packs can be ordered for families with young children via a social worker or midwife. These packs include essential clothing, feeding, and/or hygiene products as well as larger safety items (car seat, safe sleeping space, pram) when available.

Rainbow Youth – Northland, Auckland, Taranaki, Bay of Plenty(external link)
Their community wardrobes provide free gender-affirming clothing for young people in a safe and supportive environment. You'll find one at each of their centres. If you'd like to donate, they welcome clothing, new or quality makeup and skincare, and gender-affirming items such as binders.

St Vincent de Paul – Wellington(external link)
If you, or someone you know, has no clothes for the right season, please get in touch and Vinnies may be able to supply proper clothes. They also provide housing goods and furniture for refugees, migrants and people who are struggling financially or in social housing.

Waka Of Caring | Charitable Trust  –  Auckland(external link)
Opening hours: Monday to Saturday, 9am–6pm. You are able to take what you need for yourself or your family free of charge. No forms or ID required.  

• Clothing for all ages and sizes.
• Essential kitchenware (pots, pans, utensils, dishes).
• Bedding and linens.
• Small household appliances.
• Furniture (availability varies).
• Basic household items.
• Personal care items.