However, she says the biggest issue she faced while on lockdown was getting behind in her rent.

“I don’t like being behind, especially when I’ve been there before,” she says. “I’ve got a good landlady but she’s struggling as well because she lost her job. Not being able to pay my rent was putting more burden on her, so being up-to-date is a big weight off the shoulders. It’s good to have that security without having to worry about how long I’m going to be in this debt.”

The whānau also received a grocery voucher, a hygiene pack and firewood, which Jacqueline describes as a godsend.

“It’s so cold in this house because it’s not insulated. Although we get firewood from here and there, the wood we had was wet, so it’s wonderful being able to light the fire now and be warm.”
*Name changed for privacy.