2856 days ago

Council funding halved for Christchurch's Citizens Advice Bureau

The Team from Citizens Advice Christchurch Area

Funding cuts are forcing Christchurch's Citizens Advice Bureau to consider scaling back its services.

Three years ago the Christchurch City Council funded about 35 percent of its annual budget, however that funding is now half of what it once was. The organisation aimed to help people with a range of issues, including legal problems, employment issues, family disputes and tenancy concerns. The council itself refers people to the service.

Bureau chairperson Neil Lancaster said if funding cuts continued, the organisation would have to scale back its programmes.

"We appreciate the funding restraints that exist for the Christchurch City Council at the moment," he said.

"But I guess our worry is that on one hand they class us a priority one community group, but at the same time they have halved our funding.

The organisation wanted to expand in the city's east, but that might not be possible.

They operated a "face-to-face" service in Eastgate Mall, as part of a group of similar community groups, and could now only afford to be there once a week.

"If our funding had stayed the same, we could be looking at offering a service there three days a week," he said.

There was strong demand for the bureau's service in the city's east, Mr Lancaster said.

"Sometimes we would go along there about half an hour before we start and there could be two or three people waiting."

RNZ News has approached the Christchurch City Council for comment.

"www.radionz.co.nz...

Image
More messages from your neighbours
3 days ago

🪱🐦 When are you the most productive? 🌙🦉

The Team from Neighbourly.co.nz

The Post has been diving into our daily habits, and research suggests being an early bird or a night owl isn’t just a choice—it’s biology! We all have that specific time when our brains finally "click" into gear.

This raises a big question for the modern workplace. To get the best out of everyone, should employers accommodate our natural body clocks? This idea is at the heart of the four-day work week and flexible scheduling movements.

We want to hear from you:
1. When does your brain "click" into gear?
2. Would a flexible (or shortened) schedule change the way you work?

Image
12 hours ago

Poll: Have we lost our "Clean & Green" edge? 🌏

The Team from Neighbourly.co.nz

The Press just released an article on the proposed plan to pump sewage into the sea, and it’s got us thinking. We’ve always been proud of our environment, but is the "Clean and Green" reputation still earned?

What’s your take? Are we doing enough to look after our backyard? Is it time for a new slogan? 💬

Image
Have we lost our "Clean & Green" edge? 🌏
  • 55.2% Yes
    55.2% Complete
  • 13.8% No
    13.8% Complete
  • 31% All is not lost!
    31% Complete
29 votes
1 day ago

🌉🛶 Early Birds Might Crack This One First… or Not? 🥚🧠

The Riddler from The Neighbourly Riddler

A person is crossing a bridge and sees a boat full of people, yet there isn't a single person on board.
How is this possible?

(Susan from Massey kindly provided this head-scratcher ... thanks, Susan!)

Do you think you know the answer? Simply 'Like' this post if you know the answer and the big reveal will be posted in the comments at 2pm on the day!

Want to stop seeing these in your newsfeed?
Head here and hover on the Following button on the top right of the page (and it will show Unfollow) and then click it. If it is giving you the option to Follow, then you've successfully unfollowed the Riddles page.

Image