Citizens Advice Bureau: Here to help - no matter the question

The Rotorua Citizens Advice Bureau motto is “Not Sure? Ask Us!”

So if you have a problem or question and want to discuss your concerns with a real person, your first point of call should be the Rotorua Citizens Advice Bureau.

The trained volunteers at the Bureau will take time to listen to your questions and provide you with helpful information and advice, and might even advocate on your behalf.

If they can’t help you, they will certainly endeavour to find someone who can. Anyone can use the service, which is free and totally confidential.

Rotorua CAB is very proud of how its service has been able to adapt to the changes that have been prevalent in the community over recent years.

Whilst the Bureau hasn’t always been able to offer a face-to-face service for periods of time in the last year, its volunteers have continued to provide people with information, advice and support on a range of topics over the telephone, by email or by slipping notes under the front door.

During Covid times our main enquiries have been around employment rights, tenancy, relationships and health issues, while we continued to answer enquiries about immigration, education and training, income support and benefits, health and counselling, personal, family, neighbourhood and community issues.

The Bureau has a comprehensive, up-to-date database – called Cabnet – which contains information and contact details for over 800 differentcommunity, health, sporting, cultural, and not-for-profit services. It also has an incredibly informative, easy to understand website (www.cab.org.nz) where people can access all sorts of information and find out about their legal rights and responsibilities across a wide range of topics.

We work extremely hard to ensure that both the database and website are constantly reviewed and update the information to ensure it is relevant, accurate and user-friendly. Our volunteers can set up an email address, create a REALMe account and assist with completing online forms and applications.

Whilst the opening hours have been altered at times in 2022, the Rotorua Bureau is usually open Monday to Thursday from 9.00am to 5.00pm and Friday 9.00am to 3.00pm.

You are welcome to ring on 348 3936 or 0800 367 222, visit us at our premises at 1143 Eruera Street, Rotorua, or email the service at: rotorua@cab.org.nz.