Keeping the Power On: Mr Vati Challenge

A Family Under Pressure

When Mr Vati migrated from Fiji, he dreamed of providing a better life for his eight children. Today, he and his family live in a privately rented property in Auckland. Although he is employed and earns above the average income, the sheer cost of raising a large family means his earnings barely stretch to cover their expenses. His wife, a full-time caregiver to their children.

Like many families facing unexpected costs, the family turns to finance companies to borrow for emergencies. But high-interest loans quickly snowballed into unmanageable debt, leaving the family trapped in a cycle of repayments they could not keep up with.

Our Financial Mentor Tuliana with Mr Vati

How We Helped

Our financial mentor, Tuliana, began by gathering a full picture of the family’s situation and setting up a household budget. But first, she knew urgent action was needed: no family, especially one with eight children, should be left in the dark.

Tuliana tirelessly advocated on the family’s behalf, approaching multiple electricity providers. One after another declined due to the bad credit score. But she did not give up. Finally, she contacted Globug, explained the family’s situation, and presented a realistic payment plan. Globug listened and agreed to connect the Vati’s household.

The Difference We Made

Thanks to Tuliana’s persistence and expertise, the family kept their lights on. More than just electricity, this gave them dignity, hope, and the confidence that with the right support, they could rebuild control over their finances.

The Vati family now feels empowered to take the next steps: addressing their debt, exploring refinancing or consolidation options to lower interest rates, and beginning the long but achievable journey of repairing their credit score. With a plan in place, they can finally start saving towards their dream of home ownership.

Māngere Budgeting Services Trust – Ōtāhuhu Office

Why This Matters

Behind every bill, every loan, and every number on a page is a real family. The Vati’s story is not just about keeping the lights on; it is about keeping hope alive, ensuring children have the security they deserve, and showing that with the right advocacy, even the toughest challenges can be turned around.

If you want to speak to one of our financial mentors call the our number today