New body sets advice bureaux direction

A new regional body is being proposed to administer Citizens Advice Bureaux (CAB) across Auckland.

There are currently 31 bureaux in the region, including one at Wellsford.

A key role of the new regional body will be to centralise funding arrangements from the governing body.
Wellsford, Helensville and Hibiscus Coast bureaux will form one district and collectively, will have one representative on a central board.

Auckland Council inherited a variety of council-CAB arrangements when it amalgamated. Funding for staff and operational costs across the region total about $1.7 million annually and collectively, the bureaux rely on the services of more than 900 volunteers.

Prior to amalgamation, Rodney District Council supported Wellsford with $14,400 in funding, Helensville $14,400 and Orewa $20,400, and all three bureaux received accommodation assistance.

In terms of annual enquiries, Wellsford received 2273 in 2010, Helensville 1607 and Hibiscus Coast 6103.

A report to a Rodney Local Board meeting last month said that at least seven new potential CAB locations had been identified, along with potential rationalisation of some services.

Related story: Wellsford Citizens Advice meets changing needs