Guides
Shared Q&A across the Resilience Programme — calm, informal signposting to official NZ resources.
Everyday answers, official next steps
Short guides written for Tiny Steps and Home Steps together. We explain the basics in plain language, then point you to Consumer Protection, Tenancy Services, MoneyTalks, and other official sources. Educational only — not legal, financial, or medical advice.
50 guides · consumer, money, housing, employment, whānau, health & more
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Consumer rights
Goods, services, complaints, and what NZ consumer law usually covers.
Consumer rights
What does the Consumer Guarantees Act usually cover?
When you buy goods or services from a business for personal or household use, NZ law sets minimum guarantees about quality, fitness, and repair options.
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Consumer rights
When can I ask for a refund, repair, or replacement?
If a product or service fails a consumer guarantee, the supplier usually needs to put it right — how serious the failure is helps decide the remedy.
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Consumer rights
Can a shop say “no refunds” and ignore the Consumer Guarantees Act?
Businesses generally cannot contract out of their Consumer Guarantees Act duties for personal/household purchases. A “no refunds” sign does not wipe your rights.
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Consumer rights
What does the Fair Trading Act protect me from?
The Fair Trading Act is about honest dealing — misleading pricing, advertising, and statements by businesses in trade.
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Consumer rights
How do I complain about something I bought — without losing steam?
Contact the business first, keep a trail, then escalate to the right scheme or tribunal if needed.
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Consumer rights
What are my rights when I buy online and it goes wrong?
Online purchases from NZ traders still sit under consumer law — keep records, contact the seller, then use official complaint routes.
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Consumer rights
What should I check when buying a car from a dealer?
Dealers must deal fairly — ask about faults, get agreements in writing, and use Motor Trade Association or disputes routes if needed.
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Consumer rights
Can I cancel a contract someone sold me at my door?
Door-to-door and uninvited direct sales often have cooling-off rights — check Consumer Protection for the current rules and time limits.
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Money & debt
Budgeting, debt, benefits, tax basics — with links to official tools and helplines.
Money & debt
Money feels tight this week — who can I call first?
Free national helplines and Western Bay mentoring sit alongside WINZ urgent costs — pick one calm next call.
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Money & debt
How do I start a simple household budget without shame?
List money in and must-pays for one fortnight — clarity beats perfection, and free mentors can help.
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Money & debt
What is a calm first step when debt feels overwhelming?
Write each debt down — who, how much, next due date — then use free helplines and Sorted debt guidance.
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Money & debt
Can Work and Income help with urgent costs like food or power?
WINZ lists urgent or unexpected cost support when you may be eligible — check the official page and keep records.
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Money & debt
What can I do if I cannot pay the power bill?
Contact the retailer early, compare plans with Powerswitch, and use Utilities Disputes if you need an independent pathway.
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Money & debt
What is KiwiSaver and when can I use it?
KiwiSaver is a voluntary retirement savings scheme with employer contributions — Sorted and Inland Revenue explain the rules.
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Money & debt
I have started work — what do I need to know about tax?
Get an IRD number, check your tax code on myIR, and keep payslips — Inland Revenue explains PAYE and refunds.
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Money & debt
When might Work and Income help with income or costs?
WINZ lists benefits, supplements, and hardship support — eligibility rules change, so use the official site or call centre.
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Money & debt
Are buy now, pay later services safe to use?
BNPL is still debt — read fees, due dates, and hardship options before you sign up.
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Money & debt
A debt collector is calling — what are my rights?
You can ask for details in writing, dispute incorrect debts, and complain about harassment — Commerce Commission and Community Law explain limits.
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Housing & renting
Tenancy basics, bonds, healthy homes — Tenancy Services is the main official guide.
Housing & renting
Where should I start with a rental or bond problem?
Tenancy Services is the official first stop for bonds, healthy homes, and landlord–tenant rights in New Zealand.
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Housing & renting
How does bond work when I rent in New Zealand?
Bond is money held for unpaid rent or damage beyond fair wear — landlords must lodge it with Tenancy Services.
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Housing & renting
How often can rent go up, and what notice should I get?
Rent increase rules are set in tenancy law — typically limited frequency and written notice; confirm current detail on Tenancy Services.
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Housing & renting
What if the rental is cold, damp, or feels unsafe?
Healthy Homes standards cover heating, insulation, ventilation, moisture, and drainage — raise issues with the landlord and Tenancy Services.
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Housing & renting
How do I end a tenancy without making things worse?
Notice periods and reasons depend on tenancy type — follow Tenancy Services templates and keep everything in writing.
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Housing & renting
Am I a tenant or a flatmate — and why does it matter?
Flatmates often have different rights than tenants on the tenancy agreement — Tenancy Services explains the difference.
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Housing & renting
When can a landlord enter my rental?
Landlords must give proper notice for most visits — emergencies are different; check Tenancy Services for current notice periods.
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Housing & renting
Who pays for repairs during a tenancy?
Landlords usually handle structural and healthy homes issues; tenants cover some damage they cause — Tenancy Services lists responsibilities.
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Work & employment
Pay, leave, and workplace rights — Employment New Zealand explains the rules.
Work & employment
What should I know about minimum wage in New Zealand?
Most employees aged 16+ must be paid at least the current minimum wage for every hour worked — rates are reviewed regularly.
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Work & employment
What leave am I usually entitled to?
Annual holidays, public holidays, sick leave, bereavement leave, and family violence leave have minimum legal entitlements — check Employment NZ for details.
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Work & employment
What should I check when a job ends or hours are cut?
Final pay, holiday pay, and notice rules are explained by Employment New Zealand — write down dates and keep agreements.
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Work & employment
Something feels wrong at work — what is a steady first step?
Read your agreement, jot facts, use workplace processes if safe, then Employment NZ or Community Law if needed.
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Work & employment
What should I look for in an employment agreement?
Every employee must have a written agreement — check pay, hours, leave, trial periods, and job description before you sign.
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Work & employment
Can my boss fire me in a 90-day trial period?
Trial periods are allowed only for new employees in businesses under a size threshold — strict rules apply; check Employment NZ.
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Work & employment
What is redundancy and what should I check?
Redundancy is about the job disappearing, not personal performance — notice, consultation, and pay depend on your agreement and law.
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Work & employment
My pay looks wrong or did not arrive — what now?
Compare payslips with your hours, raise it with payroll, then Employment NZ if it stays unresolved.
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Whānau & family
Parenting, relationships, and family safety pathways — official and trusted services.
Whānau & family
Where can I find parenting support in New Zealand?
Plunket, Whānau Āwhina, parenting helplines, and local family centres offer free or low-cost help.
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Whānau & family
Where do I get help if home does not feel safe?
Call 111 if you are in danger now — otherwise national helplines, refuges, and police family harm teams can help you plan next steps.
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Whānau & family
We are separating — where do we start with parenting and property?
Put children’s safety first, then look at parenting agreements, Family Court information, and Community Law for legal basics.
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Whānau & family
How does child support work between parents?
Inland Revenue Child Support administers most assessments — payments are based on a formula unless you have an agreement.
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Health & costs
Finding care, cards that may lower costs, and free health advice lines.
Health & costs
When should I call Healthline (0800 611 116)?
Healthline offers free 24/7 health advice from registered nurses — use it when you are unsure whether to see a doctor.
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Health & costs
Can a Community Services Card lower health costs?
The card can reduce some prescription and GP fees if you qualify — apply through Work and Income.
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Health & costs
How do I enrol with a GP practice?
Choose a local practice, complete enrolment forms, and bring ID — enrolled patients usually pay lower visit fees.
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Health & costs
Who can I talk to if I am struggling mentally?
Free helplines are available 24/7 — call or text 1737 anytime, or use specialist lines for youth and addiction.
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Government & law
Forms, tribunals, community law, and when to escalate a problem.
Government & law
When should I take a complaint to a disputes body or the Disputes Tribunal?
If the business will not fix a fair complaint, some industries have free or low-cost schemes — and many everyday claims can go to the Disputes Tribunal.
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Government & law
When should I contact Community Law?
Community Law centres offer free legal help to people who cannot easily pay a lawyer — housing, work, debt, and family issues are common.
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Government & law
What can I do if an organisation misuses my personal information?
The Privacy Commissioner handles complaints about how agencies collect, use, and share personal information.
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Government & law
Can I complain about a government agency?
The Ombudsman investigates complaints about central and local government agencies when internal complaints fail.
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Government & law
Where do I start with visas, residency, or citizenship?
Immigration New Zealand publishes official visa pathways — use licensed advisers or Community Law for complex cases.
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Travel & transport
Driving, licensing, and common transport issues — official NZTA and govt.nz pathways.
Travel & transport
How do I get or renew a driver licence in New Zealand?
NZTA sets licence stages, tests, and renewals — book through official providers and keep ID handy.
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Travel & transport
What is a WOF and when does my car need one?
A warrant of fitness checks key safety items — older cars need inspections more often than newer ones.
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Travel & transport
Are there fare concessions for children, students, or seniors?
Concessions vary by region — check your local council transport site and Total Mobility if you need assisted travel.
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Need a person, not a page?
The shared directory lists Te Puke, Western Bay, and nationwide supports — including Bay Financial Mentors booking.
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