A free legal service for Bay of Plenty residents turns 20 this month.

Baywide Community Law  was officially opened on July 4, 2005, in a little building on Hamilton St in Tauranga CBD with three staff helping people navigate their legal issues.

It was founded by Michael Sharp and first manned by him and Roger Gudsell as lawyers, and front-of-house paralegal Jan Whiting.

Today, Baywide employs 13 staff between its Tauranga and Whakatāne offices, which offer access to free legal services for people living along the BOP coast, from Waihī to Te Kaha.

Baywide Community Law practice manager Fiona Joyce said the current need for these services is just as great as it was 20 years.

“Legal problems can be overwhelming and Baywide helps to navigate these issues – our lawyers can provide free one-on-one legal advice for people on low incomes, or with disabilities or other disadvantages,” said Joyce.

“Baywide can assist with all kinds of legal problems including family, employment, tenancy issues, financial disputes, criminal matters and Māori land.  Our lawyers can provide legal advice by telephone, online or in-person at our offices in Tauranga and Whakatāne.”

Baywide also holds regular community clinics in Waihī, Katikati, Te Puke, Kawerau and Opōtiki.“We encourage everyone to call us so that we can work out how we can assist them, or refer them to a legal aid lawyer or one of the many community organisations we work with for more support.”

Today, Baywide is one of 24 community law centres across New Zealand and a member of national body, Community Law Centres Aotearoa.

Joyce said Baywide Community Law Charitable Trust is a registered charity governed by a Board of Trustees and funded by The Lawyers and Conveyancers Special Fund.

A gathering of current and former staff, board members and supporters was held at their Tauranga office at 63 Willow St on Tuesday, to celebrate the 20-year milestone.

Joyce said it was fantastic to celebrate two decades of work helping the community. “I’m really proud of the services Baywide provides to our communities.”

She thanked all staff and Board trustees for their contributions and acknowledged the huge number of volunteer lawyers and caseworkers who’d donated their time and expertise over the years.

For more information on Baywide, see their advert on this page.