Baywide Community Law Service, which has been offering free legal advice in the Bay since July 2005, now has fully staffed offices in Tauranga and Whakatane, with outreach clinics in Katikati, Te Puke, Opotiki, Waihi, Kawerau, Omaio, Matata and Waimana.

Administered by the Baywide Community Law Charitable Trust (with local bay trustees), it is one of 26 community law centres located throughout New Zealand.

Baywide's primary focus is to address the unmet legal needs of the community and to provide free access to legal information, advice, assistance and education for residents throughout the Bay of Plenty who, due to their personal or financial circumstances (including disability), cannot otherwise access such services.

Baywide also offers a free drop-in clinic in Tauranga on Wednesday evenings (5pm to 6.30pm) and a Friday clinic by appointment (12pm to 2pm).

The service is free but as Baywide is a registered charity it welcomes donations and receipts are provided.

Donations enable Baywide to keep its doors open and provide a service to the needy; to be available to talk to interest groups; refresh its professional knowledge; participate in local community law needs and be involved in continuing legal education.