Settlement Support in Tauranga is enjoying continuing expansion since its establishment five years ago as part of a government initiative.

Coordinator Carol Andersen says they are the first organisation of their kind in Tauranga.

Settlement Support co-ordinator Carol Andersen.

'We are about assisting new migrants with the settlement process,” says Carol.

'We deal with information as well as settlement,” she says.

'We're kind of like the CAB (Citizens Advice Bureau), but more for the newcomers to the area.”

Carol says Tauranga is a beautiful and friendly place, but for people taking the huge step of moving to a new country, there is much to adjust to.

Her organisation is now five years old and is one of 18 around the country set up by the Department of Labour.

In September 2006, Settlement Support had a client base of 12 people per month and five years later they're averaging about 60 per month.

'That's just because we are known more – we're a hub that works with other organisations to help in the settlement process.”