"The Real Cost of Living"

Kia ora,

In April 2024, my family and I achieved our dream of purchasing our first home — something we worked so hard for. Sadly, I have since lost my job and, despite six months of searching, I’ve been unable to find work again.

Part of this struggle comes from my past. I carry criminal convictions, and although I’ve worked hard to change my life, those mistakes still make it extremely difficult to get fair opportunities. Everyone deserves a second chance, yet too often people like me are judged only by our past, not by the effort we’ve made to move forward. I believe our government should be doing more to support hardworking families and people trying to rebuild their lives, instead of leaving us to fall through the cracks.

The cost of living in New Zealand is becoming unsustainable, and without support, my family and I face the heartbreaking reality of losing our home. If we can’t keep up with our mortgage, the banks win — and everything we worked for will be gone.

I’m reaching out with humility, asking for your kindness and support to help us through this difficult time. Every donation, no matter how small, makes a huge difference and gives us a fighting chance to hold on to our home and rebuild stability for our family.

Thank you from the bottom of my heart for taking the time to read our story, and for any support you can give.