Our Mission

We provide free financial mentoring services in Newtown and the surrounding suburbs to individuals, families and whanau, especially those who are facing financial challenges. We get alongside our clients to support them to gain control over their financial lives. If necessary we start by looking to alleviate their crisis and then support them to increase their financial capabilities and knowledge. We empower them to navigate various social and financial systems, at times advocating on their behalf and, if appropriate, encourage them to make connections with local networks and social services.

NBAS's professional staff assist client's with financial challenges that impact on their ability to live within their income.

Working alongside clients we help them to resolve any unmanageable debt issues they may have.

Our Financial Mentors help clients achieve their financial goals.

At times this involves NBAS financial mentors advocating for clients when they are unable to achieve positive outcomes due to communication problems with government agencies or lenders etc.

Our work is holistic and we work alongside other community support services to ensure clients have access to all the support they need. This includes connecting clients to health, housing and addiction services for example.

NBAS staff are mindful of the affects that lack of money has on clients' wellbeing and their ability to access and have sufficient resources to pay for shelter, food, electricity, transport, clothing and health needs.

NBAS provides MoneyMates programmes providing groups with a forum to openly discuss financial matters. We also regularly provide Community Education programmes to upskill the financial literacy of target groups.

The South Wellington area is home to a diverse ethnic community and over a third of NBAS's clients are migrants or former refugees. We hire interpreters to ensure all clients understand their Financial Mentor.

Success Stories

Larry (Not real name) came to Newtown Budgeting and Advocacy Service about 2 years ago. Almost $80,000 in debt, a serious gambling problem and his marriage on the rocks. We have worked with Larry for over 2 years and his debt is now down to $24,000. He no longer gambles, and his marriage has been saved. He no longer has a weekly deficit. Things are tight financially as he works hard to get on top of his debt, but he can now see the end in sight, and he has something to smile about.