At the CAB we help people to know and understand their rights and obligations and how to use this information to get the best outcomes, provide people with the confidence and support they need to take action, and work for positive social change within communities and wider society. We provide a free and independent service to all.
About the Organisation
The aims of Citizens Advice Bureaux New Zealand are to:
- Ensure that individuals do not suffer through ignorance of their rights and responsibilities, or of the services available, or through an inability to express their needs effectively.
- Exert a responsible influence on the development of social policies and services, both locally and nationally.
Each Citizens Advice Bureau (CAB) is an incorporated not for profit organisation, operated by local community volunteers. Some CABs have paid staff who support the management of the bureau.
When helping clients the CAB’s aim is not to take over the management of a client’s situation, but instead to work alongside them, helping them to help themselves and providing pathways for resolving their issues to ensure that the client has an opportunity learn and grow in confidence.
The CAB, unlike the Government, does not have a statutory obligation to take the prescribed course of action if people disclose certain issues, and as such, people often feel safer disclosing sensitive and serious issues to a Citizens Advice Bureau than they do to Government agencies.
Locations: Over 80 around the country from the far north down to Invercargill, and from major metropolitan areas to small, rural communities.
Staff: Over 2,300 trained volunteers
Contact: If you’re interested in volunteering, the best thing to do is to contact your local CAB, which can be found here: https://www.cab.org.nz/find-a-cab/
Opportunities for Students
Our service of information, advice and support is delivered by over 2,400 volunteers throughout the country – do you want to be one of them?
CAB volunteers from all walks of life help more than 500,000 people every year. You will find the work interesting, stimulating and fun. When we ask volunteers to describe what they love most about being involved with Citizens Advice Bureau, most say it’s the fact that no two days are ever the same.
When you volunteer with the CAB you will be provided with free training as well as the tools and ongoing support you will need to provide the CAB service. Being a CAB volunteer is a commitment, but one that many of our volunteers wouldn’t give up for gold.
CAB volunteers go through a rigorous period of learning and development before they become accredited to work with clients individually. Most CABs roster their volunteers on duty weekly or fortnightly, for a two or three-hour shift. Some CABs have a range of additional volunteer roles available; just contact them to find out more.
It is a position that would not only look great on a law student’s CV, but one that would also provide beneficial practical experience of dealing with clients.
To find out more visit our website https://www.cab.org.nz/find-a-cab/volunteer-for-cab/