Archives: Client Stories

Client Stories

Ariana keeps connected

Ariana’s phone was damaged when she was applying for an interest-free loan from Good Shepherd. A small grant paid for repairs so she could move on with her application and stay in touch with family.

Ariana(*) applied for a Good Loan to help cover some essential new items. Like most of Good Shepherd’s clients, Ariana was using our phone-based service.

As well as having valuable financial coaching conversations, Ariana was using her mobile to work through the loan application process – uploading documents, receiving emails, accessing her bank statements, and gathering other information needed.

When Ariana’s phone broke, she couldn’t continue with her coaching or the application for her much-needed loan. She also needed her phone to manage everyday life. She felt increasingly stressed and isolated.

The Good Shepherd team arranged a grant to cover the cost of repairing the phone. Ariana was able to have repairs completed quickly and get back to her coaching and application. She was relieved to have a working phone to help meet life’s demands and stay connected with friends and whānau.

*name has been changed

Pam’s best friend settles into a new town 

Pam was frightened that not being able to afford her dog’s registration could see her canine companion taken away. A grant helped her register her dog and maintain her wellbeing.

Pam’s* housing is managed by Kāinga Ora. She had to move from one house to another during the Covid-19 pandemic, and has recently been moved again – this time to a new region.

A past brain injury means Pam has issues with anxiety, which affect her more during times of change. Moving twice in the past few years has been hard, and Pam is grateful for the emotional support and companionship offered by her dog, who she describes as her ‘rock’.  

Pam reached out to Good Shepherd for a loan to cover the cost of registering her dog. Dog registration fees were higher in her new town. Pam couldn’t afford to pay the $110 registration and was worried about late payment fees which could take the total to $300. More than anything, she was afraid her dog might be taken away.

A Good Loan wasn’t an option for Pam because the amount she needed is less than the smallest loan offered. The team member supporting Pam explored options and was able to help her apply for a grant from the fund built up by people who support Good Shepherd through donations.

The grant was approved and Pam was ecstatic, noting the huge difference this small gesture will make in her life. With this relief, she now has the mental space to work through other matters impacting her financial situation.

*name has been changed

Olivia navigates emotional and financial challenge 

Support to review her financial situation and reduce debt taken on without her consent helped Olivia and her children get through a very tough time.

Olivia* and her two children were under a lot of emotional and financial stress following the sudden death of her husband, who took his own life.  

He had behaved abusively during the relationship – controlling their finances and taking out debts without Olivia’s knowledge or consent.   

Olivia was dealing with multiple creditors. She wasn’t sure if she was entitled to any support, and didn’t know how much debt was left under her own name or jointly. She contacted Good Shepherd for help.  

Our Family Violence Economic Harm support team helped Olivia to review her financial situation. They looked up her credit report to better understand any debt she wasn’t aware of and advocated for Olivia in dealings with three different banks. Through this process, Olivia learned of a joint account she didn’t know about, was able to extend a mortgage holiday with one bank, had $14,000 of unjust debt wiped by another, and a credit card debt of $1,800 waived by a third bank.  

Good Shepherd also supported negotiation with Olivia’s insurance company, energy provider, and district council. The resulting discounts and extended payment deadlines further eased pressure so Olivia could start taking control of her finances. Through contact with the Ministry of Social Development, Olivia is applying for an accommodation supplement and a grant to help cover her husband’s funeral costs. Good Shepherd liaised with the funeral director who provided the service to ensure outstanding payment would not be referred to debt collection.   

Olivia is moving forward with more confidence. She is attending grief counselling, pursuing the sale of her home, and regaining control over her bank accounts. Olivia and her children recently became New Zealand citizens – a significant milestone during a difficult period.  

*name has been changed

Bridget sets goals and makes them happen

Over a few years, Good Shepherd services have bolstered Bridget’s determination to improve her quality of life and be free of unmanageable debt.

Health issues were creating extra challenges for Bridget*. After a surgery, she wasn’t able to work and the mattress she was sleeping on was less comfortable.   

Money was tight. Bridget had some debt that was hard to manage. She and her family made use of Salvation Army food parcels, but walking to collect them was difficult. Bridget had been walking to pick up food parcels or shop for groceries for years. She didn’t have a car and sometimes relied on taxis or family for transport. She wanted a more straightforward way to get to appointments, do her shopping and take her kids to school when the weather was bad.  

Bridget had been working with a financial mentor to try and improve her financial situation. She applied for a no-interest car loan with Good Shepherd. She hadn’t needed a driver’s license before, so sat her license as part of her plan for independent transport. With her license passed and loan approved, Bridget bought her own car.       

Working alongside Good Shepherd and other social services, Bridget continued her efforts to regain control of her finances. Knowing a Good Loan was affordable for her, she sought help to consolidate her debt. A debt consolidation loan helped Bridget move her debt away from high-interest lenders and see her payments making more of an impact. 

Bit by bit, Bridget and her family unlocked opportunities and improved their lives. The Ministry of Social Development had provided the family with a fridge, and Bridget knew she could manage her budget better with a chest freezer. Extending her Good Loan allowed Bridget to buy a freezer, a couch and a bed.   

These items brought relief and benefits that rippled into other parts of life. Feeling better with a furnished house, Bridget enjoyed reconnecting with family, friends and grandchildren through hosting them at home. Being able to transport groceries and freeze food meant meals were more affordable and easier to plan. A bed helped Bridget sleep better and improve her mental and physical wellbeing. 

The options Bridget created through accessing no-interest loans have helped her reduce financial stress and build a happier, healthier life for her family.  

*name has been changed 

Supporting Jen to manage debt and start fresh

With a small grant and some help to reduce debt, Jen and her teenage daughter were able to move away from an abusive relationship and look ahead to better days.

When Jen* was diagnosed with a serious and life-changing tumour, the dynamic of her relationship with her partner shifted. He took control of their finances including the support payment she received due to being unable to work. He would not allow Jen to access any money.   

His psychological abuse worsened over time. He wouldn’t let Jen buy anything or drive their car. Jen was forbidden from seeing her friends. With no access to money, Jen got a credit card and kept a bank account hidden from her partner.     

More than ten years passed before Jen was able to leave the relationship. She moved into a one-bedroom flat with her teenage daughter, and was determined to help them both live safely. Jen contacted Good Shepherd to enquire about a loan, but repayments would not be affordable on top of everyday expenses and paying back debt. Good Shepherd’s family violence economic harm support service was able to assist Jen by negotiating with her bank to wipe $7,500 of debt built up during her relationship.    

In their new flat, Jen and her daughter were sharing a bed. They were relieved to have a stable home but it was hard for the two of them to find space. Jen had recently had a surgery which made sleeping in the same bed more challenging. Good Shepherd sought help for Jen from a service that provides furniture for people setting themselves up after leaving abusive relationships. It was hoped they could provide a fold-out couch, but they weren’t able to help this time. The team member supporting Jen applied for a Good Shepherd grant to cover the cost of some furniture.  

With a $300 grant, Jen brought a second-hand kettle, reclining chair and fold-out couch. She and her daughter set up a flexible bedroom space in the lounge. Jen noted the flat now feels much more like a home. In an email, she says: 

“Moving into a new home can be overwhelming, but your help made it feel possible.” 

“It may seem like a small thing, but to us, it’s huge. Your kindness and generosity have brought us both comfort and a fresh start, and we’re so grateful.” 

*name has been changed for safety 

Catrin gets some power back

Being unable to afford a replacement battery for her motorised wheelchair made it harder for Catrin to get around. A grant helped her reduce stress and get where she needs to go.

Catrin(*) is in her 30s and lives on her own in a one-bedroom unit, which is small but meets her needs as someone who uses a wheelchair. Before moving into the unit, she was in emergency housing for safety from family disputes. Rent for the unit is more than Catrin can comfortably afford but it is her only option – it’s hard to find accommodation that meets her accessibility needs.      

Catrin’s financial situation is difficult. She receives a disability allowance from WINZ, and any costs outside of food and rent are hard to manage. When she needed to pay for essential equipment, WINZ referred Catrin to Good Shepherd to be assessed for a no-interest loan.  

The battery of Catrin’s motorised wheelchair had given up. Trips she could usually manage on her own needed to be replaced by expensive taxis. She was also relying on friends and family for transport to her volunteer work. An affordability assessment showed Catrin wouldn’t be able to keep up with loan repayments. The Good Shepherd team helped Catrin apply for a relief grant to cover the cost of a new battery for her chair.     

With her motor chair back in working order, Catrin can connect with her community, attend appointments and continue her volunteer and street appeal work. The grant also paid for a microwave and some storage containers to help Catrin live in her one-room unit with more comfort and independence.  

*name has been changed 

Phoebe’s new car means a safer, happier Christmas

When Phoebe and her children’s safety was at risk in the days leading up to Christmas, a swift collaboration between Good Shepherd and Turners Cars helped them find a car and keep away from harm.

Phoebe and her children had been in and out of safe housing as they attempted to stay safe from her ex-partner. She had a protection order against him after repeated family violence incidents. During their relationship he didn’t allow Phoebe any access to money, and he also took money from the children. He has been in prison multiple times and tries to find Phoebe every time he is released — often threatening her, using violence, damaging property and creating increased financial hardship.

Phoebe was experiencing layers of financial challenge. Her ex had taken out debt in her name without her consent or knowledge, including for a family car that he damaged beyond repair. 

As a single parent trying to manage everyday life, not having a car was contributing to Phoebe’s difficulties. A vehicle could play an important role in keeping her and her children well amid financial strain and the threat of violence. Without one, it was very hard to coordinate day to day life including school transport, family responsibilities, appointments and groceries. A car was also required in the safety plan Women’s Refuge had prepared for Phoebe. 

Phoebe had explored every option to help her get a car in the past, including using loans. She drew down some of her Kiwisaver. She had worked alongside Women’s Refuge, Police, Victim Support and the Ministry of Social Development. When she was able to purchase a car, it was later damaged by her ex and he evaded being held accountable for the cost of repairs or replacement. She applied three times for a no-interest car loan with Good Shepherd, but it couldn’t be approved because she couldn’t afford the repayments. 

Christmas was approaching, and Phoebe learned her ex partner was due to be released from prison again. The Good Shepherd team was concerned. Phoebe’s safety depended on having a vehicle so she and her family could live in a house her ex wouldn’t be able to find. A member of Good Shepherd’s team explored whether Phoebe’s circumstances could qualify her for a grant from our donation fund. This fund is made up entirely of donations from people who want to help women, girls and their families. It’s normally used to provide small grants alongside our services when someone has an urgent and serious need. To help Phoebe stay safe from harm, our team wanted to secure a grant for the maximum of $4,999. But there were questions about whether this would cover the cost of a reliable family car. 

The Good Shepherd team decided to reach out to Turners Cars to see if they could help. Turners are valued partners of Good Shepherd. They support our work by making guides to help our clients buy a suitable car, and taking extra time and care to help them find an affordable vehicle that’s right for them. 

On the last working day of the year, just hours after hearing from Good Shepherd, Turners’ general manager and CEO confirmed they could find a suitable car for Phoebe to buy. They took steps to learn about her needs. They identified a good sensible car for Phoebe and generously offered to discount the price so it could be purchased for $4,999. The grant was paid to Turners and they arranged for Phoebe to collect it.  

To protect her new asset, there was a condition on the Good Shepherd grant that Phoebe would need to pay for insurance. We arranged low-cost comprehensive Drive insurance through a partnership with Vero so Phoebe could be certain this car would be there for her family when they needed it.

The family hadn’t made plans for Christmas because money was tight and getting around was difficult. As well as making everyday life more manageable and ensuring the family’s safety from violence, Turners’ support meant Phoebe and her children could enjoy more freedom over the summer holidays.

Tessa’s journey from credit issues to manageable car loan

Life can be lonely and stressful as a solo mum without family around, particularly when things go wrong. Working with Good Shepherd helped me feel like I had someone in my corner.

Now I’m working on building from strength to strength for myself and my kids.

This is Tessa’s story, edited to keep her from being identified and to help you read. Quotes are Tessa’s own words. Names have been changed.

Before I connected with Good Shepherd, life felt a bit like an uphill battle. As a solo mother of three, I was facing financial struggles without any family support to lean on. 

“I felt really alone and desperate and in a corner. I was struggling with a lot of other things, not just my finances, as a solo parent. Life was in a dark place.”

It wasn’t until my car was on its last legs that I found out scammers had been using my account, which completely tanked my credit score. It was a nightmare that took several months to sort out. I can’t begin to describe the anxiety I felt every day, driving an old car that could break down at any moment. I needed a new car badly, but my credit score made it nearly impossible to get a car loan from a traditional lender.

“I was also really worried that if I was accepted somewhere how I was going to pay the interest. Some companies advertised saying they would help, but the interest rates were just insane.”

I first heard about Good Shepherd through a Facebook group called “Mums on the benefit.” Women like me shared stories of how Good Shepherd had helped them without judgement. I did my research and decided to give it a shot. What drew me to Good Shepherd was their Christian values, their genuine care for people and their commitment to thoroughly understanding each applicant’s financial situation. It was a relief to know they wouldn’t just look at my credit score and dismiss me. I’ve been through a lot in my life. As a single mother on a benefit with no family support, I’ve faced a lot of stigma and tough deals — but my experience with Good Shepherd was different.

“I applied for finance before, and it was a horrible feeling. It felt like they were there to make money off of me… It was so different with Good Shepherd. I imagine it would be more like how a family member would treat you, where they were seeing how they could help you.”

Working with Good Shepherd was a game-changer. They gave me a loan to buy a car, and the impact was immediate. My constant anxiety started to lift. Having a reliable car gave me peace of mind and started to make everything easier. But it wasn’t just about the car. It was about how Good Shepherd made me feel — respected, uplifted and hopeful. By going through my finances with me in detail during the application process, it showed me I could not only afford the loan, but I could also trust myself to manage it responsibly.

“It gave me a strong feeling of hope because they looked really closely at my finances, and they could see that I could afford it. It really made me feel really good. It gave me a renewed outlook on humanity in general.”

My financial struggles haven’t disappeared, but having a functioning vehicle has made a huge difference. I’m proud to say I have been successfully paying it off too. There are still tough days. I had to put my work on hold because of burnout. I also worry about potential mechanical issues with the car — but I’m managing. It feels good to know Good Shepherd will be there if anything else goes wrong.

I have big hopes for the future. I want to continue to heal from the trauma of the past, build resilience and find work that fits my family’s needs and my values. Ultimately, I dream of moving off the benefit, making enough to take care of my family, and achieving a healthy balance between work and home life. I don’t want my kids to miss out on anything.

“I’m hoping to be building from strength to strength. I want to heal and grow stronger.”

Sarah finds stability in work, home and transport

I’ve worked hard to ensure my kids have the secure and steady life I never had. 

A Good Loan helped me fix my car, keep my job and protect our family home until we were able to sell. It gave me the breathing room I needed to hold on to what matters most — stability for my family.

This is Sarah’s story, edited to keep her safe and help you read. Quotes are Sarah’s own words. Names have been changed.

Life’s been a journey, but one of the toughest periods was not long ago when I almost lost everything.

At the time, we were living in a semi-rural area. As a solo mum I was working while trying to keep our heads above water. It became clear I needed to downsize from our family home, which I bought off my ex-partner when the property market was high. Interest rates were skyrocketing, and it was stressful to know I needed to sell before I couldn’t afford the mortgage anymore. I just needed to bide my time until the market started to pick up again and I could make enough to secure a new mortgage.

Around this time, the gearbox in my car failed and needed to be replaced. I couldn’t afford to fix it. But without the car, I wouldn’t be able to get to work. Public transport wasn’t an option where we lived. If I couldn’t fix the car, I’d lose my job. Without my job, I’d lose the house. We were at the brink of a spiral that would be hard to stop. 

“If Good Loans hadn’t helped me, it would have been really dire.”

Every option I explored turned into a dead end. My bank wouldn’t approve a personal loan because of my mortgage. I tried other lenders, but I kept getting declined. It was my boss who suggested I apply for a loan through Good Shepherd.

“I felt trapped. I felt like my best efforts weren’t working.”

The process of applying for the loan was straightforward once I got started. Bex, the person who helped me, was incredibly kind and supportive. She treated me like an individual, not just another application. She could see my situation — that I was equity-rich but serviceability-poor — and she understood the challenges I was facing. She didn’t judge and treated me with respect, which made all the difference to me when I was at my wits’ end.

“I feel like it helped me not have a nervous breakdown. It was a really huge sense of relief. Bex was just really kind…She could see I had equity and money that I couldn’t access. She empathised with me and saw I was a good steward of money with no credit cards or afterpay or anything. I felt seen.”

There was a bit of a delay before I was connected with Bex, which was stressful given how urgent my situation was. When people are desperate, they’re more likely to turn to predatory lenders. I’m grateful I held out, but I can see how others might not have that patience. Once everything was finalised, though, I could breathe again.

The interest-free loan allowed me to repair my car without sinking deeper into debt. Given my situation with the house, I don’t think I would have been able to afford a car loan with high interest rates. The Good Loan helped me manage everything so things didn’t fall apart. I could get to work, earn my income and hold onto our home until it was sold. That stability meant the world to me and my kids. Growing up, my parents’ divorce left me feeling constantly uprooted. I didn’t want that for my kids.

“I would have been devastated if I had to rent because the only time I’ve ever had stability is when I was in charge of my own money and had my own house. My kids have been able to stay in the home they grew up in their whole lives until I could sell it. They had stability I never had. That was really big for me.”

Life is still challenging, but it’s more manageable. I’ve downsized to a smaller house closer to town, which means I can walk to shops or catch a bus if the car ever has issues again. My mortgage is smaller — though with the current interest rates, my weekly payments haven’t decreased much. I’m just treading water until the rates hopefully drop next year. But we have a home, and that’s something I’m deeply grateful for.

“I count myself as one of the lucky ones. I feel blessed, and we have a roof over my head. It could always be worse.”

Looking back, the Good Loan wasn’t just financial assistance. It prevented a cascade of other losses. Sometimes, one small thing can stop everything else from spiraling. It helped me keep my job, my house and my peace of mind. The weekly payments for the loan are really manageable. Without the burden of interest, I can focus on moving forward.

I’m proud of the steps I’ve taken to provide for my family. The loan gave me the breathing room we need to get through that difficult time. For anyone in a tough spot, sometimes all you need is a helping hand, and for me, that’s exactly what Good Shepherd provided.

Manawa’s car unlocks a more confident life

My car gave me the freedom to connect to myself, my family and my community. 

I’m feeling confident about who I am and where I’m headed — and I’m passionate about helping others find their way too.

This is Manawa’s story, edited to keep her from being identified and to help you read. Quotes are Manawa’s own words. Names have been changed.

A couple of years ago, I was in a bad place. I broke up with my partner and lost custody of my kids. My mental health had taken a hit. I let my car go because I couldn’t keep up with the expenses. Without a car, I had to rely on buses or walk long distances just to get to school or visits with my children. I was doing good with what I could, but life felt like a journey full of challenges.

“I was kind of like losing my marbles…I was really educated in the last few years to understand life. No one tells you about life, you know. You’re figuring it out.”

The first time I applied for a Good Shepherd loan, I was turned down. My budget just didn’t work. At the time, I was paying a lot in rent each week, and I barely had enough money for other expenses.

About a year later, my situation had changed. I had fewer living expenses. I also needed a car more than ever. So I decided to try again. It took a lot of persistence on my end to get Good Shepherd to respond to my initial application, but I didn’t give up. To my surprise and relief, I was eventually approved for a loan to buy a car.

That car changed everything for me. It wasn’t just a vehicle — it was my ticket to freedom and stability. When I first got it, I was going through a rough patch with my living situation and ended up living in the car for a couple of weeks. I had chosen it carefully, making sure it had foldable seats so I could sleep in the back if needed. And it served that purpose well.

“Yeah, it’s just a car, but it was a safe place I could go. No one could kick me out, and I could take myself anywhere.”

With my car I moved to a little house near the beach, where I spent time healing and learning to live sustainably. I collected rainwater, used a generator and paid close attention to the rhythms of nature. Being by the ocean helped me calm my mind and process everything I’d been through. I used that time to reflect on my choices and figure out what kind of future I wanted to create.

“I had to go find myself, sort myself out and heal a bit from all my trauma. The car helped me on my healing.”

Over the past year, my life has transformed. My car has been an important tool for me to reclaim my life for the better, allowing me to get to school, visit my kids and travel into town for groceries and appointments. I now have 50/50 custody of my kids. I’ve moved to a rental closer to town. 

I’m nearly finished with a diploma in accounting. It’s something I am very passionate about, and I’m excelling in so many ways. I’ve just been offered an exciting internship to become an accounting technician. I know a good career will help ensure my kids don’t have to go through the same things I have been through. I’m proud of the progress I’ve made and the example I’m setting for my kids and others.

“From the low point, I am now passionate about teaching and inspiring others to learn and grow too.”

I’ve also been able to show up for my family and my community in ways I couldn’t before. I’ve traveled to tangi to support my family. I’ve been able to connect with my whakapapa and even contributed to research about my family history. 

I am feeling really positive about life these days, which is so different from a year ago. Having faith and belief in myself has made a world of difference. I love helping others to feel the same way. Looking back now, I can see that all the things I went through were meant to be. They’ve helped me find my path.

“Now I know who I am. I stay more confident and stronger in myself and what I want, rather than being the flock following the flock.”

The support I’ve received from Good Shepherd has been life-changing. I’m so grateful for the chance to rebuild and create a brighter future. Today, I’m learning to enjoy life rather than just endure it. That’s a gift I’ll never take for granted.

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