Pūtahi Hauora
Defence Health HubNZDF4U Wellbeing support
Tautoko hauora a Te Ope Kātua
NZDF 4U introduction
How NZDF4U can support you and your whānau.
All members of the NZDF and Defence community can contact 0800 NZDF4U or SMS 8881 for 24/7 confidential wellness support.
Who can use NZDF4U services?
Employee Assistance Programme (EAP) counselling support services are accessible to Regular Force and NZDF civilians for any issue. EAP services are also available for Reserves and families of NZDF members for defence related issues. The nature of this support is based on need and may include referral to EAP, community support and health services, and/or Veterans Affairs. Family members accessing EAP will be asked to confirm their connection to NZDF; this will be recorded but not shared with the NZDF member or broader NZDF without permission.
NZDF4U Support
| Service User Type | 0800 NZDF4U | EAP (Vitae) |
| Regular Force | Yes | Yes |
| Reserves | Yes | Case by case (if issue is NZDF related) |
| Veterans | Yes | Case by case (if issue is NZDF related) |
| Civilian staff | Yes | Yes |
| Ex-Serving | Yes | Case by case (if issue is NZDF related) |
| Family/Whānau of NZDF personnel | Yes | Case by case (if issue is NZDF related) |
Can I contact NZDF4U Wellbeing Support from overseas?
Yes. You can call us on +64 9 414 9914. If you would like to be called back due to international calling fees, we can arrange this for you. If you are on deployment, NZDF4U will notify the Medical Officer J1 Health Branch.
Can a family member contact NZDF4U Wellbeing Support (without the NZDF employee present)?
Yes! They just need to state that they are an NZDF family member. This information is only kept on the caller’s confidential file and is not shared with NZDF or any other person.
How can NZDF4U help me?
A health professional (outside of the NZDF) will answer your call. They will assess what’s going on for you and discuss support options. You can access face-to-face, Zoom (similar to Skype), or over the phone counselling when you call through the 0800 number.
What issues can I call about?
You can call about any issue you want help with. This can include:
- General stress
- Depression
- Anxiety
- Relationship troubles
- Financial worries
- Serious health issues (social support)
- Post-deployment problems
- Transitioning out of NZDF
The health professional will help direct you towards the best support for you.
How can I access EAP services?
To book an EAP appointment with one of the NZDF4U registered counsellors, you can make a self-referral by calling 0800 NZDF4U or SMS 8881.
Alternatively, you can be referred via a manager's referral in which either an internal support provider or your manager/1 up can referr you themselves with your permission.
Can military personnel (uniformed) access face-to-face counselling?
Yes! When a service person calls the 0800 number they can be referred to EAP for counselling. This is confidential. You may be encouraged to contact a NZDF health provider so that appropriate internal support can be arranged but you can access support through EAP if you are not comfortable with this.
Is it confidential?
Will my manager find out?
No. You are not required to identify yourself unless you choose to. The counsellor will ask for your first name or how you would like to be addressed.
Is it confidential for military personnel (uniformed) too?
Yes! No information is given to the caller’s manager (or anyone within the NZDF). The counsellor will know your name if you choose to provide it. Either way, no personal details are sent to NZDF. You will only be asked to provide some basic demographic information for reporting purposes (e.g. civilian/military/veteran/reserve/family member). You may be asked if you are comfortable with relevant health information being shared with NZDF so it can be stored on your NZDF health record or additional support arranged through NZDF, but this is voluntary.
Are there any circumstances in which my information might be shared?
If you (or another person) is at an immediate risk of harm, the counsellor is required by law to report this to necessary parties. For example, if you report to your counsellor that you intend to hurt yourself or somebody else, the counsellor may contact emergency services and the NZDF.
The appointment
What can I do if I don't connect with my counsellor or don't feel like they are the right person to talk to?
You are welcome to request a different counsellor. Click here to see a full list of Vitae counsellors available to you.
Can a family member contact NZDF4U Wellbeing Support (without the NZDF employee present)?
Yes! They just need to state that they are a NZDF family member. This information is only kept on the caller’s confidential file and is not shared with NZDF or any other person.
Can I get time off to attend an EAP counselling appointment during work time? Do I need to take leave or make the time up?
Civilians
If you are attending an EAP appointment during work hours, you will need to let your 1-up know you have an appointment to attend. You don’t need to specify that it is an EAP counselling appointment however, your manager will need to be made aware the appointment is for medical purposes. Generally for sick leave, ‘no deduction will be made for an absence of less than two hours’ but please check your employment agreement. If you require more than two hours to attend your EAP appointment, you will need to discuss this with your 1-up in advance to get their approval or to make alternative arrangements. Please contact us if you have questions or concerns about this.
Military personnel
If you need to attend an EAP appointment during work hours, you will need to let your 1-up know that you have a specialist appointment. Wherever possible you should be released to attend, or supported to make an alternative appointment time if this is not possible. You don’t need to specify that it is a EAP counselling appointment. If you need an appointment urgently, please contact your Health Centre.