New home for Hastings Citizens Advice Bureau

2009 marks a start of a new era for the Hastings Citizens Advice Bureau, in new premises at 112 Queen Street, Hastings.

For over 30 years, the service has been housed within the Community Social Services building adjacent to the Hastings District Council. With the Regional Emergency Management needing to expand their operations, the bureau had to find alternative accommodation.

Bureau Co-ordinator Sandra Gifkins said the search for suitable new premises had been a long one.

“We have looked at hundreds of properties. We have been working hard with Council looking at different premises, and we have finally found an ideal place. It has been worth waiting for.”

The new location is opposite the Hastings Health Centre’s carpark, making it easy to describe and convenient for people while they are in town.

The bureau’s phone number remains unchanged - 878 0525 or 0800 FOR CAB, 0800 367 222.

There are 25 volunteers at the bureau and another six are about to start training next week.

The bureau is open Monday to Friday 9am-4pm with a lawyer available on Saturday mornings from 9.30am-10.30am, except public holiday weekends.

The grand opening of the new building will be held on Tuesday 5 May. Deputy Mayor Cynthia Bowers will be cutting the ribbon at 12.15pm.

Sandra said she had already noticed an increase in the number of people coming in off the street.

“We are extremely grateful for the funding that the Hastings District Council gives us. To be able to provide free, confidential and impartial information and advice on just about anything to the people of the community is very valuable,” Sandra said.

“We hold a vast array of information and if we don’t know the answer, we will certainly put you in touch with the people or organisation that does!”