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.
Poll: Do you think NZ should ban social media for youth?
The Australian Prime Minister has expressed plans to ban social media use for children.
This would make it illegal for under 16-year-olds to have accounts on platforms including TikTok, Instagram, Facebook and X.
Social media platforms would be tasked with ensuring children have no access (under-age children and their parents wouldn’t be penalised for breaching the age limit)
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Do you think NZ should follow suit? Vote in our poll and share your thoughts below.
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84.4% Yes
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14.1% No
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1.5% Other - I'll share below
What's your favourite recipe for courgettes?
Kia ora neighbours. If you've got a family recipe for courgettes, we'd love to see it and maybe publish it in our magazine. Send your recipe to mailbox@nzgardener.co.nz, and if we use it in the mag, you will receive a free copy of our January 2025 issue.
Does Your Organisation Need New Flooring?
Is the flooring at your school, early childhood, community or sports centre old and threadbare? Or perhaps you have a new space where there’s no flooring at all. Your organisation could be eligible to receive $2,000 + gst from the RhinoKids Flooring Fund to go towards new flooring. Plus, one lucky organisation will win a $20,000 flooring makeover!
Carpet Court is continuing its’ mission to help improve Kiwi kids’ learning environments by rolling out its’ nationwide fund for the fifth year in a row. Apply today!