Citizens Advice Bureau Far North

11/06/2026

WHAT DO YOU DO WHEN SOMEONE DIES AT HOME?

NZ death rate for 2025 was 37,491 (StatsNZ). Two thirds of deaths occur in people aged 75 or older. We are often asked what do you do if a family member dies at home? We hope this link helps - https://www.cab.org.nz/article/KB00000594.

We have dealt with many distressed family members who have no idea whether a loved one has left a will. This link is about how to ensure your family can find your important documents and information when you die - https://www.cab.org.nz/article/KB00000593 Please share.

Our volunteers can help you during this time. Please give us a call on 09 407 9829 or 0800 367 222. Email us on [email protected] or call in and see us at 6 Cobham Road, Procter Library Building, Kerikeri.

We are open Monday to Thursday 9.30 a.m. to 12.30 p.m. and Friday 9.30 a.m. to 12.30 p.m.

Grant McCallum
Grant McCallum

It is a good idea to store your important documents in a safe place and tell your family where they are. This can save your family a lot of time and stress, making it easier for them to settle your affairs.

02/06/2026

Issues with your employer? Need help? We now have an Employment Advocate available, first Friday of every month. Free, half hour appointments, call us to book 09 407 9829 between 9.30am and 3.30pm. Starts this Friday 5 June.

25/05/2026

MOVING TO AUSTRALIA?
We've seen the headlines, more and more kiwis are moving to Australia for work or to be with family. It goes without saying, before you go, do your homework first and make sure when you get there you can support yourself financially until you find work.

Check these sites for information on what you need to consider before you go - https://www.cab.org.nz/article/KB00043777 and https://www.mfat.govt.nz/en/countries-and-regions/australia-and-pacific/australia/new-zealand-high-commission-to-australia/living-in-australia/moving-to-australia

Our experienced and practical volunteers can also help with information so give us a call on 09 407 9829 or 0800 367 222. Contact us on [email protected] or call in and see us at 6 Cobham Road, Procter Library Building, Kerikeri.

Open Monday to Thursday 9.30 a.m. to 3.30 p.m. and Friday 9.30 a.m. to 12.30 p.m.

GGrant McCallumMMayor Moko Tepania

18/05/2026

LOOKING FOR WORK?

In the March 2026 quarter, 14.4% of 15 to 24 year olds were not in employment, education or training (Stats NZ). Younger people are among those most impacted by the current labour market conditions and this is reflected in the 15.2% youth unemployment rate.

This post deals with Looking for Work and targets young people. Click here - https://youth.cab.org.nz/starting-work, share with the younger members of your family and follow us on our page https://www.facebook.com/p/Citizens-Advice-Bureau-Far-North-61551226420945/.

Our volunteers come from all manner of employment backgrounds and are here to listen and help. Call us on 09 407 9829 or 0800 367 222. Email [email protected]. Pop in and see us at 6 Cobham Road, Procter Library Building, Kerikeri.

We are open Monday to Thursday 9.30 a.m. to 3.30 p.m. Friday 9.30 a.m. to 12.30 p.m.

Grant McCallum
Mayor Moko Tepania

12/05/2026

https://www.facebook.com/share/r/1Dv2KPUpUf/

11/05/2026

According to the Ministry of Housing & Urban Development, around 600,000 households rent in NZ. Of these, more than 200,000 NZers live in Kainga Ora houses.

For lower income households, 57.7% of renters spend at least 40% of their income on housing costs (Stats NZ). More NZers are now living in rental accommodation for longer periods, including children and older people.

For this reason, we have provided information on how to negotiate rent with a landlord - https://www.tenancy.govt.nz/rent-bond-and-bills/rent/guidance-for-discussion/.

If you need help to pay rent or stay in your own home, you might find this information useful - https://www.workandincome.govt.nz/housing/live-in-home/housing-costs/index.html.

Don't forget to share this post with family and friends. Follow us for more information on our page - https://www.facebook.com/p/Citizens-Advice-Bureau-Far-North-61551226420945/

Our volunteers are trained to handle all manner of enquiries so please call us on 09 407 9829 or 0800 367 222. Email [email protected] or pop in and see us 6 Cobham Road, Procter Library Building, Kerikeri.

We are open Monday to Thursday 9.30 a.m. to 3.30 p.m. Friday 9.30 a.m. to 12.30 p.m.

Grant McCallum
Mayor Moko Tepania

04/05/2026

Consumer NZ has calculated that on average power bills will increase by $5 each month until 2029.

One way to counter this is to make your home more energy efficient. Check out this link to help get you started and please share with your family and friends - https://www.cab.org.nz/article/KB00000745.

Our volunteers are trained to handle all manner of enquiries so please call us on 09 407 9829 or 0800 367 222. Email [email protected] or pop in and see us 6 Cobham Road, Procter Library Building, Kerikeri.

We are open Monday to Thursday 9.30 a.m. to 3.30 p.m. Friday 9.30 a.m. to 12.30 p.m.

Grant McCallum
Mayor Moko Tepania

20/04/2026

For some time cost of living has consistently rated the number one concern for New Zealanders. Food, Fuel, Power, Rates, Rent, Interest, Insurance and other unavoidable costs are seriously impacting family budgets.

This link provides information on how to cope and we recommend you share it with your family and friends - https://www.workandincome.govt.nz/eligibility/living-expenses/managing-your-money.html.

Another link that is also useful is this one on how to keep your debts getting out of control - https://www.cab.org.nz/article/KB00001443.

Our volunteers are here to help. Give us a call on 09 407 9829 or 0800 367 222. Email [email protected] or pop in and see us at 6 Cobham Road, Procter Library Building, Kerikeri.

We are open Monday to Thursday 9.30 a.m. to 3.30 p.m. Friday 9.30 a.m. to 12.30 p.m. Saturday 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Grant McCallum
Mayor Moko Tepania

08/04/2026

So far this year the Far North has experienced at least two major weather events that triggered states of emergency. We have also had several other significant rain events, with another one on its way.

This post provides a link to help you get prepared and to stay safe - https://www.cab.org.nz/community-directory/KB00013014.

Check out this link - https://www.fndc.govt.nz/Council/Latest-news/news-items/2026/April/preparations-urged-as-cyclone-nears-northland.

Our volunteers are here to help so give us a call on 09 407 9829 or 0800 367 222. Email [email protected] or visit us at 6 Cobham Road, Procter Library Building, Kerikeri.

We are open Monday to Thursday from 9.30 a.m. to 3.30 p.m. Friday 9.30 a.m. to 12.30 p.m. and Saturday 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Grant McCallum
Mayor Moko Tepania

30/03/2026

We are receiving a number of enquiries relating to making withdrawals from KiwiSaver on the grounds of hardship.

Please check the following link before you do so -

I'm thinking of withdrawing my KiwiSaver early to cover my debts. What do I need to know? | Citizens Advice Bureau https://share.google/61xThOalvfmHEfMzV

If there is anything about this process you don't understand, please call us on 09 407 9829 or 0800 367 222. Email us on [email protected] or pop in and see us at 6 Cobham Road, Procter Library Building, Kerikeri.

We are open from Monday to Thursday 9.30 a.m. to 3.30 p.m. Friday 9.30 a.m. to 12.30 p.m. & Saturday 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Grant McCallum
Mayor Moko Tepania