Consumer advocate signs off active service

Long-serving Dunedin Citizens Advice Bureau Consumer Team leader Noel Angus (left), who is retiring from the role, looks over some information with his Consumer Team colleagues (from left) Julie Coward, Kevin Flaherty, Christine Thomson (co-leader), and CAb manager Ngaire Duke. Absent: Graeme Marshall (Consumer Team co-leader). Photo by Brenda Harwood

After 15 years of doing battle with dodgy door-to-door sales people and fighting for the rights of Dunedin consumers, Dunedin Citizens Advice Bureau stalwart Noel Angus (83) is putting his feet up.

A Dunedin CAB volunteer for the past 15 years, including many years as the leader of the Consumer Team, Mr Angus has decided to retire from active duty with the organisation.

He leaves after another successful campaign, waged on behalf of a mobility scooter user (not from Dunedin), who had been involved in a dispute that had resulted in her scooter being repossessed.

During the course of his involvement in the case, Mr Angus appeared on national television and spoke with Government ministers.

"While there are still things to resolve about this case, we have been able to get this lady a new scooter, so she now has her mobility back," Mr Angus said.

"That's a successful outcome."

In his 15-year fight against injustice, Mr Angus had never been afraid to "get stuck in", Dunedin CAB manager Ngaire Duke said.

"His contribution has made the Dunedin CAB a leader in the field of consumer rights," she said.

Over the years, Mr Angus has stood up for many consumers in difficult situations, had given more than 250 public talks, appeared on radio and television, and has helped to train many other CAB volunteers.

"I have had a lot of fun over the years," he said.

In his work for Dunedin CAB, Mr Angus has been most passionate about standing up against companies who "try to put it across elderly people".

"The biggest reward for me is to be able to help people who may come in really upset and stressed, and who go away beaming," he said.

"That's all the reward I need."