Opihi College

We aim to provide a safe, approachable and confidential service which is available to support students, staff and families in the Opihi College community.


The Team

Mr Joe Sharp - Counsellor - [email protected]

Public Health Nurse runs a free confidential clinic every Monday lunchtime from 1:30 - 2:00.  Students wishing to use this service make an appointment at the school office.

Miss Kate Manson - Pacific Dean

Mr Stuart Grace - Aoraki Dean

Mrs Debbie Hauptfleisch - Opihi Dean

Miss Amanda Haines - Rata Dean



Outside Agencies

At times, students and families need to contact outside agencies.  Below is a list of outside agencies that may be useful.

1737 - Call or TEXT anytime 24/7. There is also a new option where you can talk with someone who has lived experience of wairangi/mental distress

Thrive Te Pae Ora (Formerly Adventure Development) Brief intervention service supporting youth mental health wellbeing in Timaru and South Canterbury - 0800 292 988). Referrals can be done by yourself if over 16, through your family, school counsellor, or doctor.

Family Works supports families to be safe, strong and connected. Working alongside you and your family, we focus on your strengths, offering free services, programmes, information and other practical support. FW also supports children and young people, helping them overcome challenges at home or school. This can include including counselling, social work and programmes, working alongside the child or young person and with families, schools and in the community. 

Arowhenua Whānau Services A Maori Health Provider offering a Marae Based Health Clinic, Youth & Adult Mental Health Services and Tamariki Ora for the Aoraki rohe (South Canterbury Region) 03 6155180

iCAMHS 0800 227 997. Infant, Child, and Adolescent Mental Health. iCAMHS supports with mental health concerns. Referrals are made with parent/caregiver support through the school guidance counsellor, family doctor, or through your family/whānau.

Youthline A community of people to engage with for support. It has stories and support for you or if you are supporting someone else. it covers anxiety, exam stress, advice and much more. Contact them via: Free call 0800 376 633, Free text 234, [email protected], or Webchat 

Whatsup A safe place to talk and chat about anything at all. Nothing is off limits from Covid-19, friendships, family bothers, self image etc. You can web chat or call 0800 942 8787 

The Lowdown "For straight up answers when life sucks". Support for young people aged 12-19yrs old. FREE TXT 5626, web chat or email 

SPARX Interactive support for managing your mood and supporting your hauora . This site enables you to create an avatar and navigate through various scenarios that help you learn to manage your emotions. This is also available as an App.

Timaru Youth Health Clinic. Free medical consultations for youth aged 12-25 yrs on Tuesdays 2pm-4.30pm at Talbot Park, 156 Otipua road, North entrance.

Oceans Grief and Loss/ Social Justice Anglican care support through Presbyterian Support. Contact Matt on 0800 OCEANS (623267) Phone/Text: 0274 OCEANS (623267), or Ruth on 021 134 0307 / 03 686 0934 

Timaru Family Planning Clinic For women's wellness needs. The service is free for youth under 22 yrs old. Appointments must be booked online. This service can also be accessed through our Public health Nurse.

Anger Management Support, Timaru If you are struggling managing you anger, Enabling Youth provides a programme to manage your anger safely. You can refer through Mr Sharp or directly with the service. Tel: (03) 365 6266 

LGTBQI RainbowYOUTH is a charitable organisation that was established in 1989. RainbowYOUTH is here to work with queer, gender diverse, takatāpui & intersex youth, their friends, whānau and wider communities in order to ensure that New Zealand is a place where all young people can thrive. (09)3764155 

Depression NZ 0800 111 757 or text 4202 for 24/7 support

Oranga Tamariki 0508 FAMILY. Dedicated to supporting any child in New Zealand whose wellbeing is at significant risk of harm now, or in the future. 

Lifeline Aotearoa Whatever the issue, we’re here to listen. We’re committed to providing a safe, effective and confidential service to support the emotional and mental wellbeing of our callers and communities. Call 0800 LIFELINE (0800 543 354) or text HELP (4357) for free, 24/7, confidential support – 24 hours a day, 7 days a week 

Tautoko Suicide crisis helpline. A free nationwide service offering support and from highly experienced professionals from anyone who may need immediate support over the mental health of themselves or someone they know. This is 24/7 service. 0508 828 865 

105 - Police non-emergency number This is an option for when the situation is not urgent (otherwise call 111 immediately). Examples might be if you have witnessed a crime, or had something stolen, or think you have information that the police might need etc.