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.
Poll: Are our Kiwi summer holidays helping us recharge, or holding the economy back? ☀️🥝
There’s growing debate about whether New Zealand’s extended Christmas break (and the slowdown that comes with it) affects productivity.
Tracy Watkins has weighed in ... now it’s your turn. What’s your take? 🤔
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73.2% We work hard, we deserve a break!
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16% Hmm, maybe?
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10.8% Yes!
Give Music a Go, Summer Holiday Music Programme
The Taranaki School of Music is holding a fun and interactive School Holiday Music Programme in New Plymouth next month.
Discover the joy of music with lots of musical activities and try out different music instruments with professional tutors. This is aimed at 7 - 13 year age groups. Held in the mornings of 19- 21 st. January 2026 at the City Life Church.
Cost $90 for 3 sessions. Limited financial assistance available.
For information, registration, contact Jocelyn Beath, 021 144 1681, joc.beath@xtra.co.nz.
Secure your homes over summer
Police are reminding people to keep their homes secure during the summer months.
Inspector Glenda Barnaby, Christchurch Area Prevention manager, says daytime burglaries are just as common as nightime burglaries.
“Burglaries can be committed at any time of the day, and coming into warmer months there is more opportunity for thieves."
"Although a majority of burglaries involve forced entry through windows and doors, we are starting to see more incidents at insecure premises. Police deal with cases where burglaries are committed in broad daylight, sometimes even while the victim is at home. Good weather means open doors and windows, which makes homes more vulnerable to burglars.”
Inspector Barnaby says there’s a few things people can do to reduce their changes of a burglary being committed.
⚠️ If you’re going outside for gardening, relaxing in the sun, or working in the garage, take a moment to lock your doors and secure your windows first.
⚠️ Do the same at night when you go to bed - keep your doors and windows secure and close your curtains. Fitting window stays means you can get a breeze coming through, while keeping your windows secure.
⚠️ Get to know your neighbours - let them know if you’re going away and look out for one another.”
If you see any suspicious activity, people or vehicles in your neighbourhood, don't hesitate to contact Police.
If you witness or suspect any illegal activity, please call 111 if it is happening now, or make a report through 105 either online or over the phone, if it is after the fact.
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