Changes in technology should not mean that records of whānau behaviour become a tradable commodity for the advantage of businesses. A robust consumer data right framework can ensure whānau own, and can utilise, their data towards their wellbeing. We welcome the opportunity to comment on the...
The Consumer Care Guidelines are a fundamental part of a well-functioning electricity market that balances the interests of consumers and retailers. The Guidelines are intended to protect consumers and to ensure all consumers are treated fairly and that their rights are safeguarded, regardless of the...
The recent Cyclone Gabrielle and Auckland Anniversary Weekend Floods highlighted several key challenges for financial mentors and their client’s ability to access the monetary system. The barriers to access created flow-on effects for the ability of whānau to access essentials during weather emergencies. FinCap welcomes the...
A whānau should never feel they need to go without the energy they need to keep their home healthy. Strategies for addressing energy hardship in Aotearoa must propose strong interventions to ensure we all have the essential energy services we need for our health, well-being,...
Access to essential services necessary for the health, wellbeing and social participation of whānau in Aotearoa should be guaranteed. An effective mechanism is needed for accessing a fair outcome where relevant telecommunications services would instead put a whānau at risk of hardship. FinCap welcomes the opportunity...
We welcome the opportunity to give feedback to the omnibus Child Support (Pass On) Amendment Bill (The Bill). FinCap strongly supports the changes to the child support system which will see child support going directly to the parent on a sole parent benefit from 1...
No child should have to go without essentials because government departments are creating and collecting debt that was always going to be unaffordable. Debt to government is creating distrust and harm for whānau that are trying to engage with the systems that are meant to...
Electricity is an essential service that supports the health, well-being and social participation of whānau across Aotearoa. It is very important that the regulator of these essential electricity services, as well as the public, have visibility as to the systemic issues surrounding whānau having difficulty paying...
FinCap welcomes the opportunity to comment on the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment (MBIE) Draft Credit Contracts and Consumer Finance (Buy Now Pay Later) Amendment Regulations 2022 (Draft Regulations). Loopholes for buy now pay later lenders have been financial mentors’ most regularly noted consumer...
FinCap welcomes the opportunity to comment on the Water Services Economic Efficiency and Consumer Protection Bill (the Bill). We support financial mentors across Aotearoa in their work towards assisting whānau who are facing financial difficulty. Water services are essential to the health, wellbeing and social...