Until about a year ago, I felt like I had no future and no goals. But then I started coming to Nga Kete’s Building Financial Capability Plus Programme and it has completely changed my life.
I’ve had an array of jobs throughout my life, including mowing lawns, supermarket work, and working in a hotel, but something traumatic would always happen and lead me to feelings of depression and a lack of motivation.
I remember when I was in my late teens I started working at a hotel and I really enjoyed it. I felt like it could have been the beginning of so much more for me.
Then one day when I was out for a casual mountain bike ride I had a crash and after being rushed to hospital, discovered I had broken my neck in three places. It was painful, I could barely move my neck and the recovery was lengthy. I had no choice but to leave the job I had loved so much, and move back to Invercargill to live with my parents.
Back home, I felt depressed. I was in pain and I couldn’t work and I started to have some pretty dark thoughts. But slowly things started to progress and eventually I was able to work again. I got a job at a supermarket and I worked there happily for 10 years. But again, things went downhill due to a traumatic event.
Life was never the same after that. I spiralled even further into depression and this went on for years.
I was living in sub-standard shared accommodation in the city and I was struggling with finances. I knew I needed help. It had gone on for far too long and I knew something needed to change.
I decided to go to Jubilee Budget Advisory Service for help, and I was referred from there to the Building Financial Capability Plus programme at Nga Kete Matauranga Pounamu Charitable Trust.
It was a life-changer for me.
The kahukura has helped me with so much over the past year. One of the first things she did was to set up automatic payments so that my bills, like power and rent, were paid for first every week – I had always struggled to manage debt up until this point, so this was incredibly helpful.
She started coming to appointments with me at places like Work and Income, helped me with my paperwork, and even secured new accommodation for me, which is warm and clean. She also assisted in getting me a new washing machine and fridge. She helped me to enrol into He Puna Waiora Wellness Centre, which means doctor’s visits are affordable for me now.
She has managed to get me motivated about work again and I even completed my forklift license recently due to her encouragement. My motivation and self-esteem is the highest it has ever been!
She helped me to create a new CV and I am very excited about an upcoming job interview. I am also working in a casual role at the moment.
Traci has been absolutely brilliant since day one. She has changed my life.
I’m on track now with the things I want to achieve. I’ve got a glow on my face and I’m extremely motivated. Everything is looking up for me!
What is Building Financial Capability?
Building Financial Capability Plus is an intensive, wrap around service that supports whanau to manage finances, debt and other needs impacting on wellbeing and independence. Our goal is to build financial resilience and enhance whanau wellbeing. Our aim is to provide the right support, at the right time, in the right way, with whanau.
What could it offer me?
The service offers a reliable and safe service tailored to whanau needs, support and guidance with planning goals for change, advocacy and connection with services, a specialist financial mentoring service (Jubilee Budget Advisory Service) and a space to realise hopes and dreams.
What are the benefits of this service for me?
Reduced financial stress, improved relationships and support networks, the ability to bounce back more quickly from difficulties, improved wellness and independence and the ability to manage finances confidently.
How can I refer?
Whanau can self-refer, and we accept referrals from all agencies. For more information call us on (03) 214 5260 or message our Facebook page.
About Traci: Traci Murray was born and raised in Invercargill, has three children and has a passion for helping whanau. Traci has more than 20 years’ experience working with whanau across Australia in New Zealand.
I’ve had an array of jobs throughout my life, including mowing lawns, supermarket work, and working in a hotel, but something traumatic would always happen and lead me to feelings of depression and a lack of motivation.
I remember when I was in my late teens I started working at a hotel and I really enjoyed it. I felt like it could have been the beginning of so much more for me.
Then one day when I was out for a casual mountain bike ride I had a crash and after being rushed to hospital, discovered I had broken my neck in three places. It was painful, I could barely move my neck and the recovery was lengthy. I had no choice but to leave the job I had loved so much, and move back to Invercargill to live with my parents.
Back home, I felt depressed. I was in pain and I couldn’t work and I started to have some pretty dark thoughts. But slowly things started to progress and eventually I was able to work again. I got a job at a supermarket and I worked there happily for 10 years. But again, things went downhill due to a traumatic event.
Life was never the same after that. I spiralled even further into depression and this went on for years.
I was living in sub-standard shared accommodation in the city and I was struggling with finances. I knew I needed help. It had gone on for far too long and I knew something needed to change.
I decided to go to Jubilee Budget Advisory Service for help, and I was referred from there to the Building Financial Capability Plus programme at Nga Kete Matauranga Pounamu Charitable Trust.
It was a life-changer for me.
The kahukura has helped me with so much over the past year. One of the first things she did was to set up automatic payments so that my bills, like power and rent, were paid for first every week – I had always struggled to manage debt up until this point, so this was incredibly helpful.
She started coming to appointments with me at places like Work and Income, helped me with my paperwork, and even secured new accommodation for me, which is warm and clean. She also assisted in getting me a new washing machine and fridge. She helped me to enrol into He Puna Waiora Wellness Centre, which means doctor’s visits are affordable for me now.
She has managed to get me motivated about work again and I even completed my forklift license recently due to her encouragement. My motivation and self-esteem is the highest it has ever been!
She helped me to create a new CV and I am very excited about an upcoming job interview. I am also working in a casual role at the moment.
Traci has been absolutely brilliant since day one. She has changed my life.
I’m on track now with the things I want to achieve. I’ve got a glow on my face and I’m extremely motivated. Everything is looking up for me!
What is Building Financial Capability?
Building Financial Capability Plus is an intensive, wrap around service that supports whanau to manage finances, debt and other needs impacting on wellbeing and independence. Our goal is to build financial resilience and enhance whanau wellbeing. Our aim is to provide the right support, at the right time, in the right way, with whanau.
What could it offer me?
The service offers a reliable and safe service tailored to whanau needs, support and guidance with planning goals for change, advocacy and connection with services, a specialist financial mentoring service (Jubilee Budget Advisory Service) and a space to realise hopes and dreams.
What are the benefits of this service for me?
Reduced financial stress, improved relationships and support networks, the ability to bounce back more quickly from difficulties, improved wellness and independence and the ability to manage finances confidently.
How can I refer?
Whanau can self-refer, and we accept referrals from all agencies. For more information call us on (03) 214 5260 or message our Facebook page.
About Traci: Traci Murray was born and raised in Invercargill, has three children and has a passion for helping whanau. Traci has more than 20 years’ experience working with whanau across Australia in New Zealand.
