Archive: News & Media

Budgeting services are warning people not to get carried away with buy now pay later products if they’re struggling to get by during the lockdown.

General Manager of Ngā Tāngata Microfinance discusses the effect of lockdown on financially vulnerable families with Radio Waatea.

“Ngā Tāngata Microfinance general manager Natalie Vincent is annoyed the Australian actor [Rebel Wilson] has chosen to front advertising for buy now, pay later loans, which she’s seeing turn up again and again in the debit column of families who can no longer make ends meet.”

“Alleviating the stress of high interest debt can have a lifechanging impact on people’s lives – a story some of Aotearoa’s microfinance lenders know only too well.”

Understanding consumer rights is key to getting value for money. The results of the 2020 New Zealand Consumer Survey are in and they show that more New Zealanders now know their rights when it comes to warranties, advertising and guarantees. Read more

“Predatory, high-cost lenders might finally be paying their dues as a recent decision sets an example by ordering refunds of unreasonable credit”

Loan applications to Nga Tāngata Microfinance to cover everyday household costs more than doubled last year. General Manager Natalie Vincent says it shows beneficiaries and low-income earners simply do not have enough to live on or to save.

Some local residents and neighbours are furious a high-cost lender has opened in Wellington near a large social housing complex and next to refugee and migrant support services.

A not-for-profit group is calling for the Commerce Comission to get tougher on those promoting pyramid schemes in Aotearoa. That comes after the Commission issued a ‘Stop Now’ letter to Shelly Cullen, a promoter of Lion’s Share – a suspected pyramid scheme.

The Debtfix crew launched with a positive start to 2021, initiating a collaborative hui at Warkworth with major stakeholders who work to reduce New Zealanders’ personal debt.