Microfinance loans and problem debt

Helping people to access safer credit and reduce their debt are key parts of Building Financial Capability. Three microfinance lending services are available to help.

MSD supports three providers of microfinance loans with operational funding, and banks provide the loan capital.

A range of totally interest-free loans, with no administration fees and no hidden costs, are available.

Good Loans

Good Shepherd New Zealand provides no-interest, fee-free Good Loans for people on low incomes. These help people pay for essential expenses, and to avoid or manage high-cost debt.

Good Loans are available for:

• Debt consolidation – up to $15,000 to combine and repay high-cost debts with affordable repayments
• Car purchase – up to $7,000 to help buy a reliable vehicle
• Essential items and services – up to $7,000 for car repairs, essential household items (such as a computer), and important services like dental treatment or study fees.

Loans can’t be used for:

• paying overdue bills or rent arrears
• day-to-day living expenses e.g. food, clothes, power, phone, gas or rent
• cash, travel or holidays
• urgent needs – applications take time.

Call 0800 466 370 or visit the Good Loans website for more information.

Ngā Tāngata Microfinance

Ngā Tāngata Microfinance is a small, non-profit organisation focused on helping financially vulnerable New Zealanders get ahead with money.

They provide ethical, interest-free loans that give Kiwis a ‘hand up’, not a ‘hand-out’. Backed by Kiwibank, Ngā Tāngata provides GetControl Interest Free Loan (up to $5000).

These loans help with costs like education fees, appliances, medical costs, vehicle repairs or paying off high-interest debt. The programme is about more than the loan; it's about providing customers with the financial capability through budgeting and mentoring from a Financial Mentor to help break the cycle of poverty.

My Money Kete

My Money Kete is a practical toolkit with free tips and resources to help you learn how to reduce debt and get ahead with your money. Backed by Booster Foundation

Their goal is to break the cycle of financial stress, to empower New Zealanders to become more financially capable, and to help them become better off in the long term.

Visit the Ngā Tāngata Microfinance website for more information.

The Mortgage Hub

The Mortgage Hub delivers responsible microfinance services to individuals and families seeking safe, affordable access to credit.

Established to expand fair financial access, The Mortgage Hub works to reduce reliance on high-cost lending and support long-term financial stability.

Loans from $500 up to $5,000 are available to:

• Purchase essential household items
• Cover essential education and school-related costs, including uniforms, stationery and sports participation expenses
• Pay off existing high-interest debt
• Consolidate debt into structured, affordable repayments

All loans are individually assessed and tailored to verified income to ensure affordability and sustainability. The service is designed to ease immediate financial pressure while helping households build stronger foundations for long-term financial wellbeing and asset ownership.

Visit The Mortgage Hub for more information.