Ngā Tāngata Microfinance Calls for Smarter, Safer Money Choices as Credit Demand Surges
With consumer credit demand climbing sharply and personal-loan arrears still sitting at 9%, Ngā Tāngata Microfinance is urging New Zealanders to explore safer, more supportive financial options heading into the busy end-of-year spending season. The latest Centrix Credit Indicator Report (September 2025) shows consumer credit demand rising 5.6% year-on-year, driven by a 4.4% increase in personal-loan applications, the highest level sinceDecember 2024. Despite this surge, arrears remain elevated, signalling ongoing financial pressure across households. Ngā Tāngata Microfinance, a small non-profit dedicated to helping financially vulnerable New Zealanders, provides ethical, interest-free loans that offer a genuine hand up, not a hand-out. With many families already feeling stretched, the organisation says now is the time for practical, accessible support. A Smarter, Ethical Alternative “As more people rely on borrowing to pay for the basics, it’s crucial they’re not pushed into further hardship by high-cost debt,” says Vijay Farley-Naiker, General Manager of Ngā Tāngata Microfinance. “Our interest-free, fees-free loans and supportive mentoring help people regain control of their finances safely, without adding pressure. It’s about giving Kiwis the tools and knowledge to get ahead.” Support That Goes Beyond the Loan Each loan application is paired with free financial mentoring, giving borrowers personalised support…