Funding boost recognises demand for community law centres’ services
The New Zealand government has announced that community law centres will be given a funding boost.
Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern and Justice Minister Andrew Little have confirmed that last year’s $2.2 million increase in funding has been made permanent in the Wellbeing Budget. Additionally, a further $8.72 million of funding will be provided to the country’s 24 centres over the next four years.
“Community law centres play a vital role in ensuring access to justice for all New Zealanders, and especially for people on low incomes,” Arden said. “That’s why the Wellbeing Budget secures the future of community law centres.”
“Demand for community law centres’ services has been growing,” said Little. “The 24 centres and their lawyers provide outreach from 120 locations, complete up to 50,000 cases each year, and provide law-related education to around 25,000 people annually. These services are crucial to ensuring New Zealanders receive what they are legally entitled to, and that their legal rights are upheld.”
