Waitakere New Settlers' Guide 2009 - Auckland Council

Improving your English and language supportKnowledge of English is crucial in New Zealand. If you feel that you need help with yourcommunication skills, you can enrol in classes to improve your English. There are many optionsavailable so that you can learn at a pace that is suitable for you.Classes are referred to as ESOL - English for Speakers of Other Languages. In Waitakere there are anumber of service providers for people wanting to improve their English. This includes secondaryschools, private training establishments, community education groups, libraries and churchorganisations. Copies of the Waitakere ESOL Directory are available at your local library or CAB.English Language Partners New Zealand (formerly ESOL Home Tutors) is the country’s largestESOL service provider with over 3000 volunteers.English Language Partners New ZealandGate 3, Building 60PO Box 44242 Pt ChevalierUNITEC Auckland 1025Carrington RoadAuckland 1246Phone: 846 0398Email:info@esolht.net.nzWeb: www.esolht.org.nzWhile you are learning English you will find that there is a lot of information available to you inyour first language. Most government departments produce resources and fact sheets in severallanguages. District Health Boards provide translation and interpreting services. The Citizens AdviceBureau has Language Link (available in 26 languages) and the Office of Ethnic Affairs providesLanguage Line, a telephone interpreting service available in 35 languages to assist people in theirinteraction with government agencies.33