‘Tūturu te tangata, tūturu te tautoko – real people, real support – this is the theme for CAB Awareness Week 2026 which runs from Monday 9th to Sunday 15th March.

“This year we are putting the spotlight on the fact that the CAB service is provided by real people supporting people in communities across Aotearoa with their real everyday issues”, says Kerry Dalton, Chief Executive of Citizens Advice Bureau NZ. “We are highlighting the person-to person support CAB provides which is becoming more essential in an environment where many services are online-only and where getting assistance from someone face-to-face or even over the-phone is becoming more and more difficult".

“We know how much people value the fact that when they come to the CAB for support, they can speak with someone who will take the time to listen, help them understand their rights and options, and figure out their next steps”, says Dalton. “Despite how much information we can get online and regardless of our online skills and access, sometimes we just need a real person we can speak with to help us work through the questions, issues or challenges we’re facing” Dalton says that CAB is fortunate to have over 2,000 trained volunteers working out of 80 offices around the motu, enabling the organisation to offer person-to-person support to the community.

“Our volunteers are the ones who deliver our service of information and advice to the public, and they see the impact everyday of providing person-to-person support, with manaakitanga, respect and kindness”, says Dalton. “It’s when a client comes to us feeling upset or overwhelmed and after talking things through with us, they leave the interview feeling empowered and hopeful.”

Over the past year, CAB volunteers have responded to around 220,000 enquiries from the public on a wide range of topics, including tenancy, employment, relationship issues, immigration matters, consumer purchases, the justice system, and more.

Dalton says that, for those wanting to support their community and who love working with people and with information, the CAB is a fantastic place to volunteer. “As a CAB volunteer, you get to support a wide range of people in your community and gain valuable learning and experience along the way”, says Dalton. “We give our volunteers great training to be able to deliver the CAB service, and you get to work as part of a diverse group of committed volunteers, making a positive impact together, supported by a comprehensive database of information.”

Over CAB Awareness Week, there will be local CABs out in their communities around the motu, attending events, holding events, putting out information over local media or social media, speaking to the public about the service they provide. “We will be highlighting that we are here to support anyone with anything, our service is free, confidential, and non-judgemental – and you will get to speak with a real person”, says Dalton. “If you see us out and about, come and have a chat!”

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