Help a South African Family Start Fresh in New Zealand

Hi, my name is Theuns (41). I came to New Zealand with my sister Helena "Mari" Leeuwner (39) to build a better, safer future for our family. Mari’s two children, Ewald (17) and Alexis (10), are still in South Africa with their grandmother (Tania Leeuwner). We didn’t want to disrupt their schooling and stability until we could secure work here, but it means Mari is carrying the heavy burden of trying to provide for them back home, while also trying to keep her head above water here in New Zealand. She is misses her kids every day.

For the past two months, Mari and I have been job hunting non-stop. Unfortunately, despite all our efforts things have been incredibly tough. We are running out of funds and face the possibility of having to return to South Africa a place where work opportunities are almost impossible to find, and where we would be returning with nothing.

Back in South Africa, I worked four months without pay and over the last three years I sent out more than 2,700 applications with only one unsuccessful interview. We know that if we can just stay here a little longer we will find work and finally reunite the children with their mother in New Zealand.

We are asking for help to cover basic living expenses so we can remain in New Zealand long enough to secure jobs.

Your support no matter how small will mean the world to us. It’s not just about helping us survive, it’s about giving two children the chance of a future filled with safety, opportunity, and hope.

Thank you for reading our story.