New Zealand’s first Bring Your Bills event comes to South Auckland
Māngere Budgeting Services Trust (MBST), in partnership with DebtManagers, is proud to bring New Zealand’s first-ever Bring Your Bills event to Ōtāhuhu.
The free community event will bring banks, telecommunications providers, energy companies and community support organisations together in one convenient location.
Whānau are encouraged to bring their household bills and speak directly with participating organisations to receive free advice, practical assistance and possible financial relief.
MBST Chief Executive Lara Dolan said the event would make it easier for whānau to seek help before their bills and debts became unmanageable.
“Many families are struggling with the rising cost of living and do not always know where to go for help,” Mrs Dolan said.
“Bring Your Bills Event gives people the opportunity to speak directly with their service providers, understand their options and receive practical support, all in one place.”
We expect approximately 300–400 South Auckland families to attend. Participating organisations include 2degrees, Spark, Contact Energy, One NZ, ASB, Kiwibank, Mercury and a range of other service providers and community organisations.
Bring Your Bills venue: Otahuhu Town Hall - 10 High Street
“This event is about removing barriers and making support easier to access. We want whānau to bring their bills, ask questions and leave with practical solutions that help reduce their financial pressure,” Ms Dolan said.
DebtManagers Head of Strategic Partnerships and Engagement, Malcolm Phillipps, said the event was based on a successful Australian initiative.
“Bring Your Bills has operated successfully in Australia for many years, and we are excited to introduce the initiative to New Zealand as part of NZ Money Month,” Mr Phillipps said.
Attendees can talk to providers to help lower their bills
Event details
Date: Wednesday, 26 August 2026
Time: From 4.00 pm – 8.00pm
Venue: Ōtāhuhu Community Centre
Cost: Free
Food and prizes will also be available for attendees.
About Māngere Budgeting Services Trust:
Māngere Budgeting Services Trust is a not-for-profit organisation supporting individuals and whānau across South Auckland.
MBST provides services in Māngere, Ōtāhuhu and Ōtara, as well as drop-in clinics in Onehunga, Panmure and Manurewa.
MBST’s services include:
Free and confidential one-to-one financial mentoring
Financial education courses
Debt support and advocacy
Counselling services
Food assistance through the Tātou Social Supermarket
Last financial year, our organisation provided financial mentoring to 4,088 families and food assistance to 3,407 families, helping to feed more than 15,000 people in times of need.
About DebtManagers:
DebtManagers is New Zealand’s leading purchaser of difficult debt. The company’s mission is to create a fairer financial world where everyone can thrive. It specialises in socially responsible debt management, helping rehabilitate people through fairer repayment plans, flexible payment arrangements, and customer-centred support, with no added fees or excessive interest.