Citizens Advice Bureau - Nga Pou Whakawhirinaki o Aotearoa
Graham Ault, Volunteering New Plymouth’s volunteer show interviewer & Marie had the privilege of having Peter Hewett from Citizens Advice Bureau as a guest on our Radio show Volly Voices with Access Radio Taranaki 104.4FM which is aired on Sundays at 2pm.
Do you know what Citizens Advice Bureau offer??
What are they about and What advice do they offer??
They are a Nationwide based locally based community organisation. They are independently incorporated and a member of Citizens Advice Bureaux New Zealand (CABNZ)..
This service is provided by more than 2,000 trained volunteers, in more than 80 locations around New Zealand. Their volunteers are supported by a comprehensive knowledgebase and regular learning.
They help people to know and understand their rights and obligations, and how to use this information to get the best outcomes. They provide people with the confidence and support they need to take action. They use insights from their clients’ experiences to work for positive social change.
Locally in New Plymouth they are based at Community House in 32 Leach Street open Monday to Friday between 9.30am and 3.30pm and on Monday night by appointment from 7.15pm; with a JP service on Monday between 10am and 12.30pm and in Hawera their hours are Monday to Thursday between 9.30am and 12.30pm
The service is free and confidential to the inquirer.
What is involved in becoming a volunteer?
You will work as part of an amazing team and be equipped with training and resources. You will support CAB clients with information and advice on a range of issues. You might also help with other aspects of running the CAB.
What's the time commitment? Most volunteers help for one shift each week, generally 2-3 hours. Volunteers also commit to initial training and ongoing learning.
What skills do I need? You need to be a good communicator, be patient, welcoming, and able to treat the diverse clients with dignity and respect. You need to be comfortable using a computer and doing research using their database.
Where can you learn more? If you are keen to learn more about Citizens Advice Bureau, this Volly Voice session was aired on Access Radio on Sunday April 27th at 2pm. This show is also available to listen to on Spotify and Apple Podcast the following week after the show has aired - to find this go the either Access Radio Taranaki website and these recordings can be found under Community or to Volunteering New Plymouth website and look under Volunteers and Volly Calls.
Who can you contact? If this sounds interesting to you then contact us at Volunteering New Plymouth or check Citizen’s Advice Bureau
If you do not have access to the internet, then contact Wendy by phoning 06 758 8986 / text 022 571 4228 or email admin@vnp.nz for more information.
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Why does this matter? As Nikki Macdonald from The Post points out, we’re a country with around 4,400 threatened species. With limited time and funding, conservation has always meant making tough calls about what gets attention first.
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Now that we can see the full picture, it brings the big question into focus: how much do we, as Kiwis, truly value protecting nature — and what are we prepared to invest to make it happen?
We hope this brings a smile!
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Once again, Resene and NZ Gardener are on the hunt for New Zealand’s best shed! Send in the photos and the stories behind your man caves, she sheds, clever upcycled spaces, potty potting sheds and colourful chicken coops. The Resene Shed of the Year 2026 winner receives $1000 Resene ColorShop voucher, a $908 large Vegepod Starter Pack and a one-year subscription to NZ Gardener. To enter, tell us in writing (no more than 500 words) why your garden shed is New Zealand’s best, and send up to five high-quality photos by email to mailbox@nzgardener.co.nz. Entries close February 23, 2026.
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