The majority of inquiries at Citizens Advice Bureau Queenstown in the 12 months to June 30 were in the "legal and government" category - which includes immigration inquiries, Cab Queenstown office co-ordinator Gabby Lake said on Friday.
Speaking to volunteers and invited guests at the bureau's AGM, Ms Lake said on July 1, 2010, the Cab network introduced a system for recording client inquiries and data which had given a greater insight into who was using the service, how they were using it and the types of issues being raised.
The Queenstown bureau had received 4479 inquiries in the year ended June 30, 2011, up from 4363 in 2009-10 and 4456 in 2008.
"A monthly breakdown of inquiries shows June to be the busiest period, with 445 inquiries, followed by May with 438.
"This is traditionally a busy time for our bureau with an influx of pre ski season workers."
Ms Lake said the biggest client age group were those between 20 and 29, which totalled 42% of inquiries, while 51% of inquiries were from New Zealanders.
However, during the year it became "obvious" several key ethnicities were not included as options.
"From July 1, an updated ethnicity list was introduced which will help us get a clearer idea of the key population groups using the bureau, such as the Brazilian community".
Cab Queenstown funding officer Justine Cranfield said despite a "tight" financial climate, the bureau had continued to receive grants from most of its usual funding agencies.
Grants in the last financial year totalled $18,800, with the Central Lakes Trust giving a $12,500 grant to cover Ms Lake's salary.
The Lottery Grants Board provided a $4000 grant and the Community Trust of Southland provided a $2300 grant.
However, the bureau missed out on funding from the Community Organisation Grants Scheme due to "an excess of applications over funding available".
"It is increasingly difficult in these tighter times to come by funding.
"Sometimes we might [get funding] but it's at a reduced rate."
Ms Cranfield said one of the biggest issues was funders were happy to contribute to a "project, but not operating costs".
"Most of the funds we need is just for the power and phone ... insurance and stationery.
"There is a very limited pool of agencies we can apply to and we continue to be grateful to those we access funding from."
Chairman John Bitcheno was re-elected for another year, along with treasurer Lee Smith, Ms Cranfield as funding officer and secretary Veronica Logez.
The management committee of Jill Derbie, Nic Macallan and Pat Amos were also all re-elected.
Long-service awards were presented to several volunteers, including Pat Topliss and Mary Wayte, who received recognition of 15 years' service and Cab and John Perkins, who received recognition of 17 years' service.
