Breaking Free from Financial Stress

When families face mounting debt and the threat of eviction, The Fono's Building Financial Capabilities (BFC) service steps in with more than just budgeting and mentoring support - they provide hope, advocacy, education and a pathway to stability. 

Anna Mwaijumba, Team Leader at The Fono, has witnessed firsthand how financial stress ripples through every aspect of family life. "When we receive referrals, our mentors don't just walk into a home to discuss budgets," she explains. "They're often dealing with families facing eviction, relationship breakdowns, children missing school, and empty pantries. The financial crisis is just one piece of a much bigger puzzle." 

Our work succeeds due to the dedication of mentors like Vaine and Ami. Day after day, they show up with genuine care, believing every family can improve their financial situation. They understand money problems involve more than just finances - family expectations, relationships, and life circumstances all play a role. They excel at making complex financial concepts accessible, whether helping new graduates or families in crisis. It's not just budgeting advice - it's about meeting people where they are and helping them build something better. 

(L-R) Vaine Utalo, Financial Mentor; Anna Mwaijumba, Team Leader; Ami Samuelu, Financial Mentor

 The service has been expanding its reach across Auckland, with presentations to Kainga Ora offices in Mount Roskill and Lincoln Road, and New Zealand Ethnic Social Services. Most recently, the team has been working with Oceania Career Academy, delivering financial education to students preparing to graduate in December. The team also participates in community engagements to connect with local families. A recent example was the Build Your Buffer event during Sorted Money Month, arranged by Ngā Tāngata Microfinance. "What struck us was how little financial education these young people had received," Anna reflects. "Our experienced mentors were able to talk with them about savings, KiwiSaver, and their aspirations. But equally important was addressing the cultural expectations - understanding their responsibilities to whānau members and how that impacts their financial planning." 

The BFC service operates on a prevention-focused model, though many referrals still come at crisis point. Anna describes working with Kainga Ora to shift this approach: "We were seeing families with $7K in rent arrears - how do you even get to that point? The mental health impacts are enormous. We're having conversations about how property managers can refer families to us at the first signs of trouble, not when eviction notices are being served." 

This early intervention approach recognises that financial mentoring extends far beyond balancing budgets. Anna's team uses The Fono's integrated model of care, connecting families with other services when needed. "Our mentors might identify relationship issues requiring counselling support through our Healthy Minds service, food insecurity needing intervention, or housing instability requiring Whanau Ora assistance. We can't focus on finances when families have these other stressors." 

The service partners with innovative programmes like Ngā Tāngata Microfinance, which provides access to no-interest loans - a crucial alternative for families who might otherwise turn to high-interest lending. Through their collaboration with Mercury Energy, our team can assist families with utility arrears and help arrange manageable repayment plans that ensure continuity of power supply. 

Central to the BFC approach is relationship building. "Trust comes first," Anna emphasises. "Our mentors spend time understanding each family's unique circumstances and cultural context. They advocate fiercely for families, negotiating with creditors and ensuring people understand their rights and options." 

Recent changes in government approach have seen some positive shifts, with Kainga Ora reporting reduced rent arrears as they adopt more empowering ways of working with tenants. However, Anna stresses that community organisations like The Fono remain essential partners in supporting families before they reach crisis point. 

The mobile service meets families wherever they feel most comfortable - at home, work, or community venues. Sessions can continue for weeks or months, with mentors helping families set realistic goals, develop practical plans, and celebrate every milestone along the way. 

For families struggling with financial stress, The Fono's BFC service offers more than technical support - it provides dignity, hope, and a genuine partnership approach to building long-term financial stability. 

The free service operates across West Auckland, Central Auckland, South Auckland, and North Shore. Families can self-refer or be referred by external partners like WINZ, Kāinga Ora, or other Fono services, with the team responding within 48 hours 

For more information, visit thefono.org or contact The Fono on 0800 366 648.