Bryan says when he relocated to Whakamaru, he wasn’t aware that households and businesses in the King Country and Ruapehu area receive a lines bill on top of their monthly power connection – and it soon started to stack up.

“We couldn’t budget for the lines bill, so it slowly started building up to the point where it was out of control. We’re a family of five on a limited income, so it’s difficult to be paying a separate power bill. Putting food on the table is our priority.”

He contacted The Lines Company to find out his options and was referred to Te Arawa Whānau Ora in nearby Mangakino. He shared his situation with paeārahi, Leanne Karauna, who paid off the overdue lines bill and purchased winter clothing for Bryan’s three sons.

“We fall short for temporary additional support through WINZ so have struggled to keep up with the needs of three growing boys. Leanne cleared the overdraft and helped us out with winter clothes for the kids, which should tide them over. It’s taken a lot of stress of my shoulders and now there’s a couple of less things I have to worry about.”