OTAHUHU CENTRE - 09 270 4088
ONEHUNGA CENTRE - 09 815 6122 | 0800 680 090
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Sometimes we all need help from other people, because life is hard. Humans are social beings, we’re not made to do life alone.
Vinnies South Auckland employs advocates who are trained financial mentors – they are here to listen and to support us when we’re going through those tough times. They can help us to get all the support we’re entitled to from Work and Income, Inland Revenue family tax credits, Child Support from ex-partners, Kiwisaver funds and other sources. They can help us get debts under control by helping to negotiate with loan companies to reduce repayments or, in some cases, get some debts written off. Simply putting all our income and costs into a budget can help us to see what has to be done to bring the budget into the black so that we can start saving money for when we need it.
For most of us, housing is by far our biggest cost. Vinnies advocates can help us to negotiate with landlords or banks over rent arrears or mortgage problems, and can provide budget reports that can help us get up the priority list for social housing if we simply can’t afford to rent in the private sector. They are part of local and national networks that are campaigning for more affordable housing and for more socially responsible lending.
Vinnies advocates can’t do everything – they’re not trained social workers, counsellors or immigration agents. But their job is to know who can help with the things they can’t do, and they’re committed to stay with us for as long as we want them. All their work is free because it’s funded by the Ministry of Social Development and by donations.
Ensure you receive what you should from Work and Income, StudyLink, ACC, family tax credits, child support.
Job search & CV tips.
Budget reports to support applications for public housing and housing transfers, supporting in disputes with landlords and Tenancy Tribunal cases.
Opening bank account, reducing bank fees & interest charges, applying for mortgage holidays.
Applying for rebate or postponement.
Getting the best power, phone and internet deals, making ends meet, living cheapily and healthily, how to save for the future.
Reducing debt, negotiating debt write-off (if eligible), reducing debt repayments, applying for interest-free and low-interest loans from finance charities, accessing kiwisaver funds for financial hardship or serious illness.
Referring for free driver licence courses; connecting to MPs, Lawyers for legal or immigration issues; counselling referrals for personal trauma, mental health, violence, drugs, alcohol and gambling addictions.
Vinnies advocates work at our South Auckland branch at 47 Station Rd, Ōtāhuhu, and at our Onehunga centre at 6A Henderson Place, Onehunga.
Arrange to see an advocate by filling in the form or contact them directly at:
Jordan Cooke (Ōtāhuhu)
Phone: 09 270 4088
Mobile: 027 648 8711
Email: [email protected]
Simon Collins (Ōtāhuhu)
Phone: 09 270 4088
Email: [email protected]
Vavao Leaupepe (Onehunga)
Phone: 09 815 6122
Email: [email protected]
Sue Small (Ōtāhuhu)
Phone: 09 270 4088
Email: [email protected]
There is no cost to this service. All work is free because it’s funded by the Ministry of Social Development and by donations.
Please bring information regarding your income, such as payslips or a benefit breakdown. We will also need details about your basic living costs, such as rent, food, phone & power bills, along with anything else you have to pay for regularly or occasionally such as insurance or school fees. It is also helpful to bring along information on any debts or loans you may have.
Yes we can. There are a range of options we can offer to help you with debt. This may include helping you with a repayment plan or negotiating with lenders. It could also include guiding you through a KiwiSaver hardship application or Insolvency options.
Yes. We have helpful resources for you to look at. Stroll down and you will find the links provided.
All three NZ credit reporting agencies allow us to access our own credit ratings and challenge any errors:
Sorted and the government explain how the credit ratings work and what to do if the ratings agencies don’t correct any errors.
Click on the link to find out more information.
Vinnies advocates work closely with three social enterprises that provide small interest-free or low-interest loans to replace or avoid high-interest debt. Borrowers can also apply for these loans directly at:
