Press Release

The Mangere Community Law Centre, which provides free and subsidised legal services to people in the Mangere community, has been granted a six figure sum to help with its work.

The $138,300 ASB Trusts grant will help it fit out new offices in the Mangere town centre, from where its staff help about 4000 people a year with legal problems.

Senior solicitor Gardenia Atimalala says the amount of work is unlimited.

“The challenge for our lawyers has been to balance the need to work as efficiently as possible while providing quality legal services,” she says.

The centre’s statistics show family court work continues to be the main focus of need.

“The new area of demand is fast becoming employment law,” she says “with many clients coming from the industrial estates around Mangere.”

ASB Trusts chief executive Jennifer Gill says the grant recognises the law centre’s essential work in the community.

“The new premises will provide much-needed additional office space, as well as room for educational training,” she says.

The ASB Trusts decide on grants for projects in education, the arts, sport, recreation, health and social services areas each month. About $50 million is given to community group projects in Auckland and Northland each year.

Founded on the sale of its shares in the ASB bank, the ASB Trusts has granted more than $400m since being formed in 1988. Any incorporated or charitable trust can apply for funds, provided they are a not-for-profit organisation. For more details about applying, visit the ASB Trusts’ website: www.asbtrusts.org.nz

ENDS

Website: www.asbtrusts.org.nz

© Scoop Media