Our approach to services and delivery

We see the whole person, without judgement, and work to support their needs and aspirations. We draw out and harness their strengths, while recognising the challenges they’re facing. We work alongside our clients. Where possible, we refer to or work with our client’s other service providers, such as financial mentors and family violence advocates.

Our services make an immediate difference in people’s lives. Some provide a safer and/or more affordable alternative to other options available. Some give access to opportunities to which our clients would otherwise be excluded. Some help remedy injustices and/or recover from trauma. All contribute to building strength, resilience and wellbeing. We recognise we can’t help everyone, and sometimes we’re not the best or right people to support a client’s particular needs.

No-interest loans service – Good Loans

We provide no-interest, fee-free Good Loans for people on low incomes. These help people manage and avoid high-cost debt. Loans can be used for:

• Debt consolidation
• Buying and repairing cars
• Buying or repairing other essential items, eg fridge or computer
• Accessing essential services, eg housing or medical treatments.

The size of the loan depends on the use of the loan. For example, up to $15,000 for debt consolidation, and up to $7,000 to buy a car.

We always look for ways to reduce a client’s debt while we assess whether a loan is affordable. We work with other creditors on behalf of the client to negotiate debt reductions, such as lowering the amount owed on high-cost debt. We also help with payment plans and provide some financial coaching related to the loan payments.

Find out more about Good Loans or enquire now. If you’re not ready for a loan, get in touch with a financial mentor.

Family violence economic harm service

Economic abuse is a form and feature of family violence. It involves restricting access to, sabotaging or exploiting another person’s financial resources, and impeding their economic autonomy.

We provide specialist support to address and recover from economic abuse and harm related to family violence. This service:

• Helps remedy unjust financial situations and reduce unreasonable debt
• Helps people access entitlements and financial wellbeing tools like no- interest loans
• Helps build people’s financial capability and confidence.

Our specialists work alongside clients and other organisations like Women’s Refuge, ACC, WINZ, and banks.

This is not an emergency service. If you’re experiencing family violence, please contact a family violence agency such as Women’s Refuge or Shine. If your safety is at risk right now, please call 111.

We can help with the financial and economic impact of family violence. Enquire now.

Car insurance – Drive

We provide low-cost car insurance for clients who have car loans. We created this product with our partner Suncorp after research uncovered why people on low incomes were leaving their biggest asset at risk.

Important features of Drive car insurance include:

• Comprehensive insurance — it covers the client’s car, not just the third-party
• No relation to specific driver — any driver of the insured car is covered so long as they have the correct licence
• Well priced, affordable
• Simple application form and policy wording
• Easy to get, easy to claim
• Weekly repayments
• No excess on first claim

If you already have a Good Loan, email support@goodshepherd.org.nz to ask about insurance.

If you’re looking for a car loan, enquire now and note you are interested in insurance.