11th August 2025
by Sandra Muirhead - Financial Mentoring Team Lead

Currently clients are feeling the pressure of the Cost-of-Living crisis. With food prices up 20% and power bills rising by 10%, we have seen an increase in two income households struggling. Credit cards & Buy Now Pay Later (BNPL) might offer short-term relief but can lead to bigger problems. When things reach a crisis, people/whānau often come to us feeling overwhelmed. That’s where Financial Mentoring  steps in. Financial Mentors (FM) can support clients with an overdue power bill, out of control debts, Kiwisaver Financial Hardship Application & insolvency procedures.

But that is not all that FM’s do. We also complete community education, client’s urgent needs, Work & Income entitlements, and family harm situations.

Our financial mentors are:

Sandra has lived in the Waikato for thirty two years and has two adult children. Soon to be a kuia/grandmother for the first time. She has been at CCH for six years and has experience in the FM sector for 20 years. Sandra has a special interest with insolvency procedures.

Nicky is “almost” a Cambridge local having lived here 27 years and shares a blended family of three daughters with her husband. Nicky came to CCH in 2021 and qualified as a FM later that year. She is passionate about all aspects of her role with a special interest in working with youth and survivors of family harm. Her ability to build trusting relationships and advocate for clients is part of her core role.

Nikkita as our newest Financial Mentor. Originally from Whangārei, Nikkita now raises a family of five and brings a rich background in adult/youth education, property management, and psychology. Her warmth, empathy, and ability to connect with people from all walks of life make her a fantastic addition to our team. We’re excited for the impact she’ll have in supporting whānau on their financial journeys.