‘It all starts with a conversation’: Porirua Whānau Centre’s budgeting support empowers people to take control

When Christine Tawhara sits down with someone struggling to pay the bills, she’s not just crunching numbers; she’s helping lift a weight that’s often been quietly carried for months.

“Even after the first session, you can see a change,” Christine says. “Their shoulders drop. It’s like a burden has been lifted, just knowing someone is there to help.”

Christine is the newest member of the Porirua Whānau Centre’s budgeting service, Building Financial Capability: Budgeting, a free programme designed to support whānau across the Greater Wellington region through tough financial times.

With extensive experience in debt management, social policy, and financial analysis, Christine brings a wealth of knowledge, practical tools and deep empathy for every client she sees.

Each journey begins with a kōrero.

Christine listens carefully, taking into account all aspects of what is happening within someone’s life, and then she can internally refer them to counselling, parenting or any other support they may need.

She then guides the whānau through a simple budgeting process: assessing income, documenting weekly and annual expenses, and identifying any shortfalls.

“Nine times out of ten, people’s outgoings far outweigh their incomings,” she says.

But the real power of the programme lies in what happens next.

Christine helps people access their full entitlements through Work and Income, whether that’s a higher accommodation supplement, a disability allowance, or hardship support.

She also connects whānau to low- or no-interest loans from organisations like Good Shepherd to consolidate debt and reduce weekly repayments.

Even simple supports like Kai Boxes, available weekly through the Centre, can make a big difference, freeing up as much as $200 per week from the grocery bill.

It’s not just about money, it’s about hope. Christine works alongside each client to set goals, tackle bills, and regain a sense of control.

“Most people just want a warm, secure house for their whānau and to be debt-free. We help them work towards that,” she says.

Christine also educates people on little-known tools like using KiwiSaver to pay off debt.

“A lot of people don’t even know they can do that. They just don’t know what they don’t know.”

More importantly, she creates a safe space where people feel supported, not judged.

“Shame is a huge barrier,” she says. “People are embarrassed or afraid to lay out their situation.

“But once they see we’re here to help, and everything’s confidential, they open up.”

Christine’s own career spans more than two decades in government social services, including Inland Revenue’s Families Package and Child Support reform.

Her deep knowledge of financial systems, combined with her manaaki and calm, practical support, makes her the ideal person to do this work.

Her message to the community?

“Don’t be afraid to ask for help. It’s not a weakness, it’s a strength.

“You wouldn’t be afraid to call the doctor if your whānau were ill, so you shouldn’t be scared to get your money looking healthy.

“Taking that first step can change everything, and it all starts with a conversation.”

To book a budgeting session with Christine, drop into the Porirua Whānau Centre, or visit www.poriruawhanau.org.nz. You can also be referred through WINZ, housing providers, or other community services.