Your local Citizens Advice Bureau recruiting now!
Your local Citizens Advice Bureau recruiting now!
“I was surprised by the professionalism of the training. It was as good as any I’d attended in my working life,” said a recent graduate. “I certainly learned a lot about our community, and I appreciated the way my mentor encouraged me until I found my feet. Your colleagues help you, and you learn something new every shift.”
“You never know what you’re going to be asked” says one CAB volunteer. “Sometimes there’s no ‘official’ place to go for answers, so we use our local knowledge." Another says “We often help people who’ve bought something. We explain their legal rights and obligations and explain the various options. We don’t tell people what to do. Our aim is to help clients find the best solution for their particular circumstances.”
While the CAB Website, with answers to more than 2,500 common questions, is available 24/7, Nelson Tasman CAB recently opened satellite offices in Motueka (Community Centre, Mondays 9-noon) and Richmond (TDC Thursdays 10-1.00pm) which has increased the number of people seeking help. Although many still phone or email, having offices in these areas means clients now have the option of talking with someone face-to-face. Sometimes having an independent person listening to your worries helps put things into perspective.
And to be able to provide such a comprehensive, service free of charge to anyone, requires well trained volunteers.
If you are interested in joining the team of volunteers, CAB Nelson Tasman is recruiting now. There’s a mixture of classroom sessions and self-directed modules, before you sit with your mentor to gain practical experience.
Email nelsontasman@cab.org.nz or phone 03 5482117 for an information pack now. Training begins in May.
What's your favourite tomato recipe?
Kia ora neighbours. We know your tomato plants are still growing, but we're looking ahead to the harvest already! If you've got a family recipe for tomatoes, we'd love to see it and maybe publish it in our magazine to share with our readers. Send your recipe to mailbox@nzgardener.co.nz, and if we use it in the mag, you will receive a free copy of our February 2025 issue.
Warnings about scams
This Fraud Awareness Week, we’re reminding everyone to stay sharp and look out for the warning signs of scams to stop them before they start.
Here’s what to watch out for:
🔍 Unrealistic offers or promises of easy money that are too good to be true
🔍 Pressure tactics: Scammers may rush or threaten you to act immediately.
🔍 Requests for personal info: Be cautious if you’re asked for bank details, passwords, or sensitive information.
🔍 Unusual payment methods like gift cards, cryptocurrency, or wire transfers.
🔍 Unverified contacts: Emails, calls, or messages from unknown or suspicious sources.
How to protect yourself:
✅ Stop and think before sharing personal details or making payments.
✅ Don't click on any links until you know that it is safe.
✅ Verify the source: Contact the organisation directly using official channels.
✅ If something’s not right, it's OK to hang up, walk away, ignore it and move on.
If you wish to report a scam, contact Police on 105 or report it online via 105.police.govt.nz/use-105.
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