Citizens Advice Bureau (CAB) delivered 20,000 petition signatures and feedback to the deputy mayor.

The submissions were delivered in a giant yellow and magenta heart in support of CAB. 

The heart was given to deputy mayor, Desley Simpson, just after noon today. 

Signatures from hundreds of Hibiscus Coast residents who rely on the CAB are included in the giant heart.

CAB Auckland City General Manager Kate Anderson says the draft budget proposes ‘sweeping cuts’ for community services such as the Citizens Advice Bureau. 

“Auckland Council's proposed cuts would shred Auckland's social fabric”, she says. 

Kate says, "people have signed the petition to save Auckland CABs to send a clear message to Auckland Council to continue funding Citizens Advice Bureau. 

Aucklanders value the CAB and see it as a vital local service”.

Consultation on the Auckland Council draft budget closes at 11 pm tonight. 

The Public Service Association joined CAB staff, volunteers and supporters to deliver the petition. 

PSA organiser Simon Oosterman says, “Auckland Council's proposal to close an essential service that provides critical support to Aucklanders, including through COVID and the recent floods, is simply outrageous”.

Kate says, “continued funding for CAB is about delivering core social infrastructure that underpins community wellbeing.” 

She asks the Council to listen to Aucklanders and "do the right thing".