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Where can I meet people with the same interests?

The Dunedin Council of Social Services (DCOSS) (new window) has a community directory which lists a wide range of community groups. A free copy can be located in Dunedin Public Libraries. Or you can access it at the DCOSS offices, Dunedin Community House, 283 Moray Place.

A joint DCOSS/Dunedin City Council project currently underway will result in this directory being online in the future.

Other Links

• Community Directory - Office of Ethnic Affairs (new window)
• Community Group websites (new window)
• Asian community directory (new window)

What sports are played in Dunedin?

A wide range of sports are played in Dunedin. Sport Otago (new window) is a good place to start.

Where can I practise my religion in Dunedin?

Dunedin has a wide range of places to worship.

Main Christian denominations:

• Presbyterian (new window)
• Catholic (new window)
• Anglican (new window)
• Baptist (new window)
• Methodist (new window)
• Elim (new window)

Other religions:

• Mosque: Al Huda Mosque, 21 Clyde Street, Dunedin. Ph 477-1838.
• Synagogue: Dunedin Jewish Congregation, Cnr George St and Dundas St, Dunedin.
• Dhargyey Buddhist Centre (new window)
• Antiochian Orthodox (new window)

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Does New Zealand have daylight savings?

Daylight savings starts on the last Sunday in September each year, when 2am becomes 3am (put your clocks forward one hour). It goes back an hour on the first Sunday in April the following year, when 3am becomes 2am (put your clocks back one hour).

Daylight saving for 2008-09 will start at 2am on 28 September 2008 and end at 3am on  5 April 2009.

When are public holidays in New Zealand?

New Zealand observes 11 statutory public holidays every year. They are:

• January 1 and January 2 (unless these dates fall on a Saturday or Sunday, in which case they are taken on January 3 or 4)
• February 6 (Waitangi Day)
• Good Friday (almost all businesses are closed for the day)
• Easter Sunday
• Easter Monday
• April 25 (ANZAC Day)
• Queens Birthday (the first Monday in June)
• Labour Day (the fourth Monday in October)
• Christmas Day and Boxing Day (December 25 and 26 unless these dates fall on a Saturday or Sunday, in which case they are taken on December 27 or 28.) Almost all businesses are closed on Christmas Day.

There is also a public holiday in every province of the country, which varies from area to area. In Dunedin, Otago Anniversary Day falls on March 23 and is taken on the closest Monday to the date for most organisations and businesses.

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What areas are smokefree in New Zealand?

New Zealand has an extensive smokefree law. All indoors areas of all workplaces are smokefree, including licensed premises. This includes herbal smoking products. The sale of smoking products is banned to those under 18 and the display of tobacco products in retail outlets is restricted.

What resources are available for families with young children?

There are a wide range of services and organisations for parents and young families. Among them are:

• The Plunket Society (new window) - offers free health and development advice and checks, and parent groups.
• Toy libraries (new window) - offer toy hire for a small cost.
• The Dunedin Parents Centre (opens in a new window) offers services including childbirth education, parent support and social opportunities as well as classes and community events.
• There are numerous playgroups dotted around the city. Any of the groups listed above or the Ministry of Education (opens in a new window) can provide you with information about your nearest group.

What do I do in a civil defence emergency?

The Dunedin City Council is responsible for civil defence in the city. More information can be found in the Civil Defence section.

An outline of information can also be found in the covers of your telephone book. It is recommended that you take the 'Be Prepared' steps outlined, in case of an emergency.

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How can I contact other people from my country living in Dunedin?

Try:

• Settlement Support New Zealand's Dunedin co-ordinator, based at the Dunedin City Council. Ph 03 477 4000
  
• Dunedin has a Multi-Ethnic Council (new window) which can be contacted through the Dunedin City Council on 03 477 4000 and may be able to help you.