Good Cents

The Challenge
Porirua, like many communities, has too many families trapped in a crippling cycle of debt.  Good Cents Porirua, an initiative established by Wesley Community Action (WCA), view this as a problem for the whole Porirua community that requires a whole community response.

The Response
Their first step was to set up their unique and successful budgeting programme, Good Cents, which offers more than financial literacy; it also empowers participants to take control of their spending and see that they really can have a debt-free future.  WCA’s Porirua Manager, Makerita Makapelu, says, “I haven’t come across a situation where they can’t take some control over debt, but it does take some sacrifices and people have to be willing to do that.”

Good Cents Co-ordinator, Matt Crawshaw, says the programme has led to much bigger thinking: “We are trying to work collaboratively across our community and consider how we move Porirua beyond unsustainable cycles of debt.  This has included talking to the people in the lending sector because we are not experts at lending – they are.  If we create a common conversation then we may begin to see what responsible lending might look like and explore how existing groups can find solutions for their own people.  We also want to change the way debt is portrayed in the media.  One way is to shift the discourse to positive stories about people moving out of debt – a concept we call “bright spots.”

How the Todd Foundation helped
Three years of funding from the Todd Foundation has enabled WCA to fund a coordinator and develop the Good Cents programme in collaboration with the community.  “Good Cents is an exploratory kinda of initiative, and Todd Foundation staff are always coming back to us with ideas, suggestions and connections.  We feel really honoured by the truly respectful relationship that they have been willing to have.”

What they say about it
A clear endorsement of the programme come from Otu, a recent graduate:  “The Good Cents programme has changed my life for the better.  I always thought I was alone.  People in my situation don’t think there’s anyone else out there like us.  When I heard everyone telling their story, they were telling my story too.  I have told all my family and friends about it and what I’ve learnt, and encouraged them to do it too.”