Mobile library adds service centre offering

Starting this month, FNDC’s mobile library will be trialling new ways to support our communities by providing services normally found only at council service centres.

The mobile library already visits more than 20 communities across the Far North each month, allowing the district’s most remote residents to access library services on the go. With the additional service, customers can now lodge a request for service (RFS), pay their rates, submit forms, such as rate rebates and direct debits, and even complete dog registrations – all from our mobile library van.

This trial will see a multi-skilled customer service officer travelling with the van who can help with non-library enquiries. The aim is to save residents from having to travel long distances to visit a council service centre, and instead complete council-related tasks when the mobile library visits their community.

Throughout the trial, the mobile library with council service capability will visit these locations each month: Ahipara, Broadwood, Coopers Beach, Hōreke, Karikari, Kohukohu, Mangamuka, Mangōnui, Mitimiti, Ōkaihau, Ōpito Bay, Ōpononi, Pawarenga, Pūkenui, Rangitāne, Rāwene, Russell, Taupō Bay, Tauranga Bay, Te Hāpua, Te Kao, Umawera, Whangaroa, Waipapa, and Waimamaku.

If the new mobile library is not equipped to complete a particular task, the multi-skilled customer service officer will take note of the enquiry details and follow up with the customer later from the office.

“The purpose of the trial is to gauge community interest in whether a mobile service centre should become a permanent offering. We look forward to analysing feedback from the first phase when it ends in June,” says Ruben Garcia, Group Manager - Community and Engagement.

To get a full overview of stop and locations check out the timetable listed on the FNDC website here. Regular reminders of where the service will stop and when will be posted to the Far North Mobile Library Facebook page.

If you would like to know more about the trial and where it will be, get in touch via the outreach services email outreach@fndc.govt.nz