Immigration New Zealand (INZ) has announced that from 1 July Citizens Advice Bureau New Zealand (CABNZ) will be the provider of face-to- face settlement information services for new migrants across the country.

INZ General Manager Steve McGill says that the announcement is great news as CABNZ are an ideal mainstream organisation located in the heart of the communities they serve.

“We are increasing provision of face-to-face outlets from 18 to 30 locations which will significantly increase coverage across the country,” Mr McGill says.  “There will now be seven sites in Auckland, three in Christchurch and six new regional areas have been included.

“Placing a service for new migrants in Bureau offices offers a great opportunity for new migrants to make connections with their local community and get the information and support they need.  The CABNZ Language Link service, already funded by Immigration New Zealand, will provide added value and support if new migrants wish to use their own language.”

Mr McGill says that the change is part of a new settlement information delivery model designed to attract and retain migrants with the skills that regions need and ensure they are successful in the workplace.

From tomorrow all settlement information, both New Zealand-wide and regionally-specific, will be located on one website, www.newzealandnow.govt.nz. All phone calls and emails that have been handled up to now by Settlement Support New Zealand will be dealt with by the Immigration Contact Centre, which will significantly extend current service availability for migrants to a six-day, twelve-hour-day service.

“I’m confident that these changes will improve services for migrants and employers so that we can continue to attract and retain the best talent from around the world,” Mr McGill says.

Details of the 30 Citizens Advice Bureau locations, addresses and opening hours are available here.