Financial wellbeing support without judgement

Good Shepherd’s loans, economic harm support and insurance options can make an immediate difference in people’s lives.

Some services provide a safer and/or more affordable alternative to other options. Some give access to opportunities people would otherwise be excluded from. Some help to remedy injustices and/or recover from trauma. All help to build strength, resilience and wellbeing.

Our services are delivered nationwide by an experienced team offering support by phone. 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 face. We work alongside our clients. When we can, we collaborate with our client’s other service providers, like financial mentors and family violence advocates. 

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 – Good Loans

We provide no-interest, fee-free Good Loans for people on low incomes. These help people pay for essential expenses and manage or avoid high-cost debt. 

Loans can be used for

• buying or repairing cars
• buying or repairing other essential items, eg fridge or computer
• accessing essential services, eg dental treatments. 
• debt consolidation. 

The size of a loan depends on how it will be used. For example, up to $15,000 for debt consolidation, up to $7,000 to buy a car, or a combined loan up to a total of $15,000.

We always look for ways to reduce a client’s debt while we assess whether a loan is affordable. 

If you’re not ready for a loan, get in touch with a financial mentor at Money Talks.

Family violence economic harm support

Economic abuse is a form of family violence where someone restricts access to, controls or exploits another person’s financial resources.

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

This service helps people:

• address unjust financial situations and reduce unreasonable debt 
• access entitlements and financial wellbeing tools like no-interest loans 
• strengthen financial capability and confidence. 

Our team delivers support by phone, working one-on-one with clients all over New Zealand. Our specialists work alongside clients and can liaise with other service providers like Women’s Refuge, ACC, WINZ, and banks as needed.

This is not an emergency service. If you’re experiencing other forms of 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.

Car insurance – Drive

We provide low-cost car insurance for anyone buying a car for $5,000 or less with a Good Shepherd loan.

We partnered with Vero to create Drive after research uncovered that insurance can be unaffordable or unsuitable for people with low incomes.

Drive features include:

• comprehensive insurance — it covers the owner’s car, not just the third-party
• cover for multiple drivers — any driver of the insured car is covered if they have a restricted or full New Zealand drivers licence and are driving in line with its conditions
• well priced, affordable at $8 per week
• simple application form and policy wording
• easy to get, easy to claim
• weekly repayments
• no excess on the first claim.

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