The office will offer no-cost legal advice throughout the district
A community law office has opened in Tararua REAP’s “Bluey” building to offer free legal advice throughout the district, reported the NZ Herald.
The pilot scheme is an initiative by the Manawatū Community Law Centre in Palmerston North. According to manager Andrew Crellen, this endeavour seeks to cater to the escalating demand for no-cost legal guidance to residents from Norsewood through to Dannevirke and Woodville.
The community law office in Tararua will handle legal matters ranging from employment (contracts and work environments) and family (power of attorney and wills) to consumer affairs (guarantees and traffic fines). Crellen confirmed that the office will hold education sessions on some of these areas.
The office will also direct clients to the right authorities when it comes to issues it cannot handle. Funded chiefly by the Ministry of Justice, the service's operations are supported by a team of 11, primarily based in Palmerston North, with another branch in Levin.
Crellen oversaw the Dannevirke District Court for nearly two decades. In his new role, he will work alongside case manager Maria Rahui, who possesses a law degree and has spent the last three years immersing herself in the Tararua community, particularly among the relatives of Rangitāne.
Tararua REAP general manager Elaine Reilly said in a statement published by the Herald that the community law office offered “a fundamentally important service to the community”.
“It’s never too early to seek legal advice but it can be too late. REAP looks forward to facilitating joint workshops with them to further help the community”, she said.
The Tararua community law office is located on Dannevirke’s Gordon Street. Its opening hours are every Tuesday to Thursday and every second Friday from 9am-4pm.
