Category: Events

Cross-sector commitment shown at International Economic Abuse Awareness Day event

10/12/2025

“While trying to recover emotionally and rebuild life as a single mum, I also had to deal with the financial damage he caused…” Good Shepherd NZ client, Katy*

International Economic Abuse Awareness Day is an opportunity to call for greater recognition of the harm caused by economic abuse and the need for solutions. This year, Good Shepherd NZ partnered to meaningfully contribute to those lasting solutions, creating a new code of practice for specialist lenders with the Financial Services Federation (FSF).

Good Shepherd NZ and FSF gathered people working in the financial services, community and private sectors at an event in Auckland to mark the Awareness Day and launch the code. Good Shepherd NZ Chief Executive Tania Pouwhare introduced leaders working to raise awareness of economic abuse and address the conditions that allow it to happen. 

Equal Employment Opportunities Commissioner, Gail Pacheco spoke of the difference the code of practice can make on the lives of those experiencing economic abuse, and of economic abuse as a human rights issue. Systemic issues, like the gender-pay-gap and unequal labour market outcomes, also hold women back and hinder financial recovery.

Good Shepherd NZ’s Senior Family Violence Specialist, Vanessa Mazzola, shared the story of a client she had supported. Katy had left a violent relationship with her young child but was struggling to financially recover due to debt that was taken out in her name without her knowledge.

“Around two years ago, he decided to purchase a brand-new car and arranged an $80,000 loan through UDC Finance. What I didn’t know then was that he had taken out the entire loan in my name, without my knowledge or consent. He used my passport ID and even forged my signature. All the paperwork went to his email, so I didn’t know anything about it until much later.”

Vanessa shared how she was able to work with UDC Finance to get Katy’s name taken off the debt for the car loan, relieving the constant anxiety this was causing. We want to extend our sincere thanks to Katy for sharing her story and for taking the time to attend our event. Her story helped those in the room understand the true impact that financial services, and other essential service providers, can make when they understand economic abuse and the harm it can cause.

Don Atkinson, UDC Finance, shared a financial service provider’s perspective on the code of practice. He spoke of Katy’s story providing the ‘why’ for financial services adopting the code of practice, and that the guidance gave clear examples of ‘how’ they could operationalise these in practice.

“A real responsibility for us, is to pick this code up, turn the words on the page into action and the culture within the organisation itself” Don Atkinson, UDC Finance

Professor Janet Fanslow of the University of Auckland provided more context on the scale and prevalence of economic abuse in New Zealand. Her insights drew from her research into the impacts of it on women’s mental health and financial wellbeing. The research found that 15% of women in New Zealand have experienced economic abuse. She also reported a stark statistic that those who experienced it were almost five times more likely to report a mental health condition.

Lyn McMorran, Executive Director of FSF, rounded off the event with her reflections on the development of the code of practice and the opportunities it provides their member organisations.

“Giving [our members] the guidance in terms of the ways in which they can bring those principles to life, I think is really invaluable” Lyn McMorran, Financial Services Federation

We want to thank all the speakers for their valuable insights and for making the time to attend the event. The release of the code of practice shows the impact we can make when we collaborate across sectors. The event provided a chance to bring together people from a range of backgrounds with a shared focus on addressing critical issues. Good things always come when we share perspectives and strengthen our collective response.

“I can now focus on rebuilding my life and creating a safe, stable home for my daughter.”

*name changed for safety

Read the Code of Practice

Good Shepherd NZ and Financial Services Federation launch code of practice to help specialist lenders in their work to prevent and reduce economic harm

27/11/2025

Good Shepherd NZ and the Financial Services Federation (FSF) are excited to release a code of practice (the code) designed to help specialist lenders prevent and reduce harm for customers experiencing economic harm from family violence.

The announcement comes as Good Shepherd NZ marks International Economic Abuse Awareness Day (26 November 2025) with an event in Auckland to raise awareness of economic abuse and to announce the launch of the code.

“Economic abuse can be more invisible than other forms of family violence, so it is important that lenders and service providers can spot economic abuse and have appropriate processes in place to support their clients”, says Good Shepherd NZ Chief Executive, Tania Pouwhare

For Financial Services Federation (FSF) members, economic abuse means customers might not know about debt they are responsible for, or they suddenly may be unable to make payments. The code outlines responsibilities which member organisations will consider to better meet the unique needs of these customers and reduce the impact of economic abuse.

“We know organisations like those that belong to FSF are committed to supporting customers experiencing harm and vulnerabilities, so working together to develop a code of practice allowed us to draw on our expertise to create a code of practice that we hope will ultimately help victims” says FSF Executive Director, Lyn McMorran

The code is the result of a partnership between the two organisations, reflecting a shared commitment to support those experiencing economic harm from family violence. Co-design with FSF members has ensured that the code of practice responsibilities keep staff and customers safe and recognise the business context these organisations work within.

Good Shepherd NZ, in collaboration with the FSF, its members and family violence specialists, has also developed a companion resource to outline how responsibilities within the code can be met in practice.

“Family violence situations are complex. Staff might want to help, but often don’t know the right way to go about it. The companion resource provides some options and examples for how organisations may respond to different situations when their customers experiencing economic abuse”, says Tania

Further codes of practice will also be developed for the energy, telecommunications, and financial advisor sectors. We hope to see these sectors follow suit and commence co-design work in 2026.

Read the code of practice

Editor’s note

Help is available:

Women’s Refuge — if you’re experiencing financial or economic abuse and/or other forms of family violence call 0800 733 843
Good Shepherd’s Family Violence Economic Harm Service — if you’re recovering from family violence and want help with the money piece call 0800 466 370 option 4.

What is economic abuse?

Financial and economic abuse is recognised in the Family Violence Act 2018, as a form of psychological abuse. It takes many forms — eg restricting money, damaging property, preventing from work, manipulating how much child support is owed, forcing or fraudulently incurring debt.
Recent data shows that more than 60% of women seeking support from Women’s Refuge, who completed a risk assessment, noted they experienced financial or economic abuse.
It can be hard to recognise economic abuse because, like other acts of psychological violence, it doesn’t leave visible marks.
While it often occurs alongside other types of violence, it can also be a standalone act.
Family violence economic harm can happen to anyone. We see people from all walks of life, socio-economic and demographic backgrounds, who suffer under controlling behaviours and economic abuse.
The impact can be devastating and can affect financial wellbeing long after the relationship is over. Research shows us that women’s access to employment is affected by economic harm, which limits their financial independence during and after an abusive relationship.

About Good Shepherd

Good Shepherd is a charitable non-government organisation that helps women, girls and their families who are experiencing harm and hardship.

Good Shepherd NZ provides a specialist support service to help people address and recover from family violence economic harm. Our specialists have experience in financial capability, advocacy and working with those who have experienced family violence and economic harm.

Our work in New Zealand began in 1886. We work in more than 70 countries, drawing on collective expertise, especially in the areas of economic participation and wellbeing, safety and resilience.

The Congregation of Our Lady of Charity of the Good Shepherd has Special Consultative Status with the Economic and Social Council of the United Nations for its work with women and girls and is supported by the Good Shepherd International Foundation.

About the FSF

Members include finance, leasing and credit-related insurance providers, and include the likes of UDC Finance, MTF, Turners, several credit unions and building societies, fintech firms, and the finance arms of global motor vehicle brands including Toyota, Nissan, Honda, BMW, and Mercedes-Benz.

With 60 years of history, FSF has stringent membership criteria and enforces a Code of Conduct to maintain high standards in responsible lending. FSF members prioritise compliance, support consumer protection enforcement, and advocate for balanced regulations that ensure New Zealanders can access responsibly provided credit.

Learning and connection with the Sisters

The last few months brought three opportunities for Good Shepherd’s New Zealand team to spend quality time with the Sisters carrying on a legacy of purpose first established in 1886.

Good Shepherd was originally founded in France in 1835 by Saint Mary Euphrasia, with the determination to assist women and children in most need. The mission spread around the world. The Sisters began to serve in Ōtautahi / Christchurch about 50 years later.

Over the last decade, our local Sisters have started to retire. Others continue the work as ‘Partners in Mission’. Our connection with the Sisters locally and globally remains important. Reconnecting with their wisdom and leadership is an energising experience and a valued privilege for our team.

In May, the Sisters and other leaders of Good Shepherd in New Zealand and Australia attended a three-day Province Assembly in Melbourne. The event’s theme was ‘Journeying together with hope’. Joined by Sr Joan Lopez, Congregational Leader, and three members of the Congregational Leadership Team – Srs Josita Corera, Marie Francoise Mestry and Yolanda Sanchez – we reflected, shared perspectives and talked about the future we are working for. This brought a treasured opportunity to collaborate in person and determine how we will work alongside others and provide support in our wider Asia-Pacific region. The Sisters in New Zealand and Australia have always worked closely and we continue as partners in our mission.

Following the Province Assembly, Sisters from the Congregational Leadership Team visited Good Shepherd’s Auckland office. It was an honour to host them and talk together about the mission in New Zealand, strengthening connections and sharing stories of our work.

In July, our team and board were thrilled to welcome a group of Sisters and other governance leaders from New Zealand and Australia for a day of collaboration and connection at Te Māhurehure Cultural Centre in Tāmaki Makaurau. The day was a chance to deepen personal connections to the mission, absorb the wisdom of the Sisters, and reflect on changes we want to make to our services to make even more positive impact for people.

Emma Saunders, Chief Executive at Good Shepherd New Zealand says:

“Time with the Sisters is always incredibly enriching. They dedicate their lives to service for our mission. The team loved hearing their thoughts about issues facing women, girls and their families in Aotearoa, and discussing existing and future services.”

Lived experience at the heart of system change on International Economic Abuse Awareness Day

17/12/2024

“Sharing my story is not easy but I want others to know there’s hope. I want to raise awareness of the issue and encourage businesses and organisations to develop appropriate responses for their customers.” — Rina*, homeowner and survivor of economic abuse.

International Economic Abuse Awareness Day is an opportunity to call for greater recognition of the harm caused by economic abuse and the need for solutions. This year, we gathered people working in the community, private, and public sectors for an event at Parliament focused on making a difference for people experiencing economic abuse.

Economic abuse is a common form and feature of family violence. It can happen through restricting someone’s access to money or financial accounts, taking someone’s money without consent, or accumulating debt under their name. The harm caused by economic abuse can be worsened when people affected face further challenges dealing with lenders like banks and finance companies.

At Parliament we heard from leaders working to address economic abuse and the conditions that allow it to happen.

Kellie Coombes, Secretary for Women and Chief Executive of Manatū Wāhine | Ministry for Women, shed light on the prevalence of gender-based violence and economic abuse in New Zealand.

Emma Powell, Chief Executive of Te Puna Aonui, explained the deep connections between money and family violence, noting that money can be a reason people don’t leave an abusive relationship.

Jane Wrightson, Retirement Commissioner, highlighted the affect economic abuse can have on women’s ability to save for retirement, and shared a national strategy to improve financial wellbeing and resilience.

Hon. Nicola Grigg, Minister for Women, underscored the need to address gender inequities that shape family violence, noting the recent launch of the Gender Pay Gap Toolkit that supports businesses to identify and address pay gaps.

Lyn McMorran, Chief Executive of the Financial Services Federation, and Emma Saunders, Chief Executive of Good Shepherd New Zealand, introduced industry codes of practice being co-designed to help financial service providers improve their capability to understand economic abuse and support customers experiencing it.

The breadth of strategies and solutions working to prevent and address economic abuse is impressive. Good things always come when we share perspectives and strengthen our collective response. One speaker made a particular impression in the hearts and minds of attendees — Rina, who shared her experience of economic abuse and the challenges she faces as she heals and regains independence.

Rina talked about noticing changes in her husband’s behaviour after 20 years of marriage.

“Collection agencies started calling about debts I knew nothing about. They told me to stop playing games and for me to take ownership. Letter after letter, calls every day, scare tactics, lenders turning up to my house. This started to take a toll on my health.”

“Credit cards with major banks and lending I had never applied for appeared on my credit profile. These debts were obtained online without my knowledge or my consent.”

Rina helped a room full of people working in finance, regulation and government better understand what it’s like to struggle with unwieldy systems and layers of process alongside the effects of family violence.

The empowerment, strength and satisfaction Rina has gained through resetting her credit rating, accessing a home loan and becoming financially independent shows the collective impact we can make in the lives of people recovering from economic abuse.

“Today I am a homeowner. My name is on the title. Both children live with me. I know about my money. I know where it goes. I know who’s getting paid. I love who I am today.”

* name has been changed for safety

Women In Finance fundraising lunch raises $17,000 for women and girls experiencing harm or hardship

16/12/2024

Good Shepherd New Zealand was this year’s charity partner for the Financial Services Federation (FSF) Women in Finance fundraising lunch. The event amplifies the voices and contributions of women working in Aotearoa’s financial services sector. Generous support from attendees this year means the event will also amplify the strength and wellbeing of women rebuilding their lives after harm and hardship.

The fund we use to provide small grants to women, girls and their families alongside our service delivery has been generously bolstered by the FSF Women in Finance luncheon. Every cent of money donated to this fund is passed along to women and girls whose life circumstances are holding them down.

“It feels especially good to know that a room full of women lifting each other up in their industry will translate to women lifting themselves and their families out of impossible choices, towards safety, wellbeing and connection.” — Emma Saunders, CEO of Good Shepherd NZ

The event was masterfully emceed by Petra Bagust, and featured raffle tickets, an auction, and insightful discussion by Kerry Boielle, CEO of TSB, and Vittoria Shortt, CEO of ASB. Many hands were raised to bid on auction items, and some were raised to offer spontaneous personal donations or contribute on behalf of organisations.

Donations will help Good Shepherd support women working to free themselves from hardship, and/or economic harm relating to family violence. Sometimes a small grant can be the thing that keeps someone safe, gives them a break, or makes the difference between spiralling down and looking ahead.

For example, we have provided a small grant to:

Buy groceries for a mum of seven leaving a violent relationship, while we worked alongside her to address the impact of economic abuse
Enable car repairs for a woman who needed her car to get to cancer treatments
Pay a $16 road toll bill, which meant a police officer could get a no-interest car loan to transport her child with special needs
Buy a fridge for the mum of a baby and toddler leaving a violent relationship, who was forced to live on takeaways in an empty house
Pay rent arrears for a woman who was going to be evicted, preventing homelessness and enabling her to become employed.

Congratulations to the Financial Services Federation for hosting a truly special event, full of talented women being real and building each other up. Your team is small, but it is also mighty! We are so fortunate to be your partner charity in a year when the Women in Finance event raised more than double the amount of the previous year.

These few hours of connection, inspiration and celebration will bring relief and opportunity in times when good news is hard to come by. Thank you to everyone who gave through the event — your contribution has energised us and will make a real difference in helping women, girls and their families be safe, well, strong and connected.

Good Shepherd and Financial Services Federation partner to help non-bank lenders address economic abuse

26/11/2024

Good Shepherd NZ is delighted to be partnering with the Financial Services Federation (FSF) to create a code of practice that can be used by member organisations who want to support survivors of family violence economic abuse.

“Economic abuse is a common form and feature of family violence. Examples include restricting someone’s access to money or financial accounts, taking someone’s money without consent, or accumulating debt under their name”, says Good Sheperd NZ CEO, Emma Saunders.

The codes of practice will create guidelines for organisations to provide effective support and fair treatment to customers experiencing economic harm due to family violence.

“Our clients tell us organisations’ frontline staff often don’t understand this form of abuse or know how to help and they often have to navigate many different policies and procedures”, says Emma.

The code is being developed in conjunction with a group of FSF member lender organisations, and FSF Executive Director, Lyn McMorran has had high interest from members wanting to be involved.

“We know organisations like those that belong to FSF are committed to supporting customers experiencing harm and vulnerabilities, so working together to develop a code of practice allows us to draw on our expertise to create a code of practice that we hope will ultimately help victims”, says Lyn.

Co-design of the code for FSF members has begun. Further codes of practice will also be developed for the energy, telecommunications, and financial advisor sectors. Work to develop the codes is expected to be complete in early 2025.

The announcement comes as Good Sheperd NZ marks International Economic Abuse Awareness Day (26 November 2024) with an event in Parliament to raise awareness of economic abuse and to announce the work on the code.

“Part of the issue with economic abuse is that it’s hard to recognise, and many people do not realise it’s a form of family violence. Even if finances are not used as a means of abuse, family violence creates economic harm. For example, money needed to move to safety or not being able to work due to fear or physical injury”, says Emma.

The theme for International Economic Abuse Awareness Day 2024 is ‘There’s no excuse for economic abuse’ and the day is part of the UN Women 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-based Violence.