Immigration New Zealand (INZ) has announced that Citizens Advice Bureau New Zealand (CABNZ) will be the provider of face-to- face settlement information services for new migrants across the country.
INZ General Manager Steve McGill says that the announcement is great news as CABNZ are ideal mainstream organizations located in the heart of the communities they serve. “We are increasing provision of face-to-face outlets from 18 to 30 locations which will significantly increase coverage across the country,” Mr. McGill says. “There will now be seven sites in Auckland, three in Christchurch and six new regional areas have been included."
The services include face to face information and workshops that would help new Migrants to settle and adapt to the lifestyle of New Zealand. The bureau would provide information for the queries regarding Local Communities, health, education and any other queries that an immigrant would seek advice on. The services are made available to any new Migrants who are under two years; however there are other immigration clinics that would help others with their settlement queries.
The CAB clinic at Pakuranga, which is also one of the selected bureaus, is very much looking forward to assist the new migrants who come in seek of their advice. “We are looking forward to providing local workshops and settlement information to people new to New Zealand and helping them to successfully integrate into our local community. The resources enabled by the new contract will add to the bureau’s diverse and inclusive service which now includes web-based live chat, email enquiries, and free 0800 calls from mobiles,” said Kim Godinich, the chairperson of CAB, Pakuranga, talking about the services they would be providing and the methods of availing this service.
Further talking to the manager of the bureau, Louise Boswell, she says, “We are honored to be selected by Immigration NZ to provide this service in our area. We are well placed to provide this service with over forty years of experience in providing face to face information and advice to people coming to the bureau. This builds on our existing service and makes good use of the fact that we are already providing a quality information service in our community. Being chosen to provide this service recognizes that the CAB is a trusted place for people to come to get information and advice. It will extend our reach and profile with new migrants and supports us to be even more responsive to our changing community.”
This Settlement Information Service will provide information and options for new migrants such as employment enquiries, including how to find employment, getting assistance with CV writing, housing, community events - where and how to get involved, health, volunteering and Immigration.