The law centre operates a telephone legal information service Monday to Friday between 10:00am and 4:00pm. The information line is staffed by CLC employees with additional support from senior law students and graduates.

This service offers basic legal information about your issue. Appointments at one of CLC’s free advice sessions can be arranged if additional legal assistance through CLC would benefit your legal situation. If necessary, referrals to private practice lawyers or another agency may also be offered.

Contact details for the free Infoline:
0508 226 529 (0508 CANLAW)
03 3666 870 ext 1
admin@canlaw.org.nz


We try to answer each call as it comes in, however if you reach our answer phone, please leave a message so we can call you back as soon as possible.

The Infoline team can answer most questions about the law, including whether you have a legal issue. The law centre is prohibited from giving legal advice over the phone, so you may be asked to come in and see one of our volunteers or lawyers for advice. There are also some issues that we can’t help with.

Those are:
• Give a second opinion where a lawyer is already acting for you
• Advice to landlords
• Advice to employers
• Advice to traders or businesses
• Conveyaning
• Company law
• Preparation and execution of wills or trusts
• Preparing or signing Enduring Power of Attorney documents

There are many organisations and lawyers that can help with these issues. Below are some links that may help you. .

There are many websites that may provide you with the information you need to resolve your issue. Some of these are listed below but there are many more.

The Community Law Centres o Aotearoa website has a useful library of information where you can search many areas of law, from community organisations to fencing issues.
www.communitylaw.org.nz

On the New Zealand Law Society website you can search for a lawyer as well as read their publications on different areas of law.
www.lawsociety.org.nz

The Canterbury Employers’ Chamber of Commerce website has information for businesses, including a range of information and publications useful for employers.
www.cecc.org.nz

Government websites have a lot of useful information on a range of topics. Some that may be relevant to you may be:
www.legislation.got.nz — contains all New Zealand laws (note, it does not have council bylaws)
www.justice.govt.nz — includes information on the courts, family law, fines, and how to check your criminal record
www.msd.govt.nz — information on how the Ministry of Social Development can help you, including Work and Income
www.ird.govt.nz — information on tax, including Kiwisaver and Child Support.
www.mbie.govt.nz — the Ministry for Business, Innovation and Employment covers employment, immigration, building and housing, consumer affairs, business, economic development, and science and innovation.