Knowing your rights is vital, says Citizens Advice Bureau website

A new website will help people understand their rights across a range of topics.

This week Citizens Advice Bureau launches a new public website - www.cab.org.nz, giving people easier access to information about their rights and responsibilities and strengthening the CAB's face-to-face service offered in 83 locations around Aotearoa.

The launch is happening during the CAB's Awareness Week, April, 8-14 which this year has a theme of Discover Your Rights - Tūhuratia ō motika.

Spanning over 300 different subjects, with information presented in a plain-language question and answer format, the CAB website is being celebrated as a valuable tool for the whole community.

"Every day we help people in hardship because they either don't know their rights or they face barriers accessing these" says Peter Death from CAB Central Taranaki.

"Making the information on our website as accessible as possible is about helping to break down those barriers so people can find out what they need to know and be empowered to take next steps" states Peter.

Whether it's about the rights of a tenant moving into a rental property, a person wanting to take money out of their KiwiSaver because of hardship, or a person facing discrimination at work, the CAB website has information on nearly every topic imaginable.

"The website provides over 2,000 questions and answers about people's rights that are based on real issues encountered by clients, as well as an extensive community directory of services and groups," says Peter.

"It's an amazing resource for the community and I encourage everyone to have it bookmarked as a go-to resource for navigating life in Aotearoa."

Even with all the information online, the CAB doesn't think the need for a human service will go away any time soon.

"People increasingly value the chance to talk to a real human being and to have practical support to navigate the digital world. So, while our website is a fantastic tool, we think it's also important that people know we are here, kanohi ki te kanohi and over the phone – for everyone, about anything," says Peter.

■ Citizens Advice Bureau Central Taranaki is at 27 Broadway, Stratford, just north of the clock tower. It is open hours are 10am to 1pm Tuesday to Friday. No appointment is needed. You can also phone CAB Central Taranaki on 765 5250 or on 0800 367 222, or contact the service online via the CAB website www.cab.org.nz.