Our History

Catholic Social Services began serving the people of the upper South Island and lower North Island in the 1960s. In previous decades our work included adoptions, residential care of young people, emergency housing provision among other social services

Today,  CSS advances the social conditions of communities, groups, families/whānau and individuals, especially the disadvantaged, by providing professional support services, guidance, and assistance. 

In 2016, the social work agency of social workers and counsellors was expanded to become the Vicariate for Catholic social services, which includes also prison and hospital chaplains, clergy care, community organising and support for the Archdiocesan Justice, Peace and Development Commission.

In 2017, Catholic social services moved from Brougham St, Mt Victoria, to offices on the first floor of the Soup Kitchen at 132 Tory St, Wellington.