Multilingual advice line

Citizens Advice Bureau announces Language Connect

Migrants can now have their important questions answered in their own language, through a new Citizens Advice Bureau service.

Language Connect is a free service, accessible via freephone from anywhere in New Zealand.

Burmese, Cantonese, Arabic, Dari, Hindi and Kurdish are a few of the 22 languages available.

Chief executive of Citizens Advice Bureau Kerry Dalton says Language Connect is here to provide migrants with information in their own language.

‘‘Migrants often have many questions when they come to New Zealand and ‘Language Connect’ is here to provide them with the help,’’ Dalton says.

‘‘No matter what the question may be.’’

Language Connect is newly rebranded, in an attempt to make it clearer to migrants what the service provides.

‘‘This is a service that can provide new migrants and refugees with information and support in their own language and [the hope is] that other people and services throughout New Zealand will spread the word.’’

‘‘This service is unique in New Zealand.

‘‘We can also help explain things with other parties and services.’’

Citizens Advice Bureau provides free and confidential advice to everyone, offering information, options and support to fit an individuals’ needs.

A roster to show what languages are available on certain days is available on the website cab.org.nz/languageconnect.

Available from 9am to 4pm Monday to Friday.

Phone 0800 78 88 77 or email language@cab.org.nz for more information.