Being able to obtain legal advice is a basic right for everyone, and cost should not be a barrier. Community Law Centres o Aetearoa has a network of offices throughout New Zealand and provides free legal help for people who don't have much money.
Elizabeth Tennet is the Chief Executive Officer of the national organisation. Prior to taking up this role, she has been a trade union official, a Member of Parliament, a tourism owner and operator, a regional development adviser, and industry advocate. She is a member of the Rotary Club of Wellington and spoke to Rotary Karori on 24 October. .JPG)
The twenty-four CLCs serve 50,000 clients a year. Family law issues predominate, along with employment law, tenancy, debt and immigration issues.
The CLCs employ around 88 lawyers and a large number of lawyers working in law firms also volunteer their time and expertise.
The work of the CLCs is funded by Government, and Elizabeth noted with pleasure the commitment in the Labour-New Zealand First coalition agreement to an increase in that funding.
Elizabeth is also the chairperson of the Bushy Park Sanctuary near Whanganui. The sanctuary is a 100 hectare predator-free native bird sanctuary, set amongst virgin lowland forest. Elizabeth challenged Rotary Karori members to join with Whanganui Rotarians for a working visit to the sanctuary.