The Kōwhai Centre is open. For an appointment please complete our online referral form.
If you have already completed an online application, the Kōwhai Centre Manager or a student counsellor will contact you as soon as possible to organise an appointment for you.
If, in the meantime you would like to talk to a trained counsellor, please phone or text 1737.
In the case of an emergency, please phone EPS on 0800 467 846.
The Kōwhai Centre provides free counselling support to the community.
Student counsellors from the Bachelor of Social Services programme offer supportive counselling to members of the public in a training environment under NZAC supervision.
Students of the programme are in their second year of training, bringing with them theoretical knowledge, life experience, previous training and diversity. As a client of the Kōwhai Centre, you may be asked by your student counsellor for permission to record a client session. If this happens, you will not be visible on the recording – the camera will be focused on the counsellor.
Students are supported by lecturing staff and counsellors within the Dunedin community to provide free counselling that is professional, supportive and accessible. The Kōwhai Centre is not available to Otago Polytechnic students for counselling.
Kōwhai Centre is open to the public. We accept donations and do not charge for services, although there is a late-cancellation fee of $10 if you cancel your appointment less than 24 hours before the scheduled time.
Our hours of service are:
Wednesday 3pm - 7pm
Thursday 11am - 7pm
Friday 9am - 3pm