A straight-talking conversation with Consumer Rights advocate Sarah Mitchell We sat down with Sarah Mitchell, who's spent 15 years helping Kiwis navigate debt collection issues, to get the real story on what debt collectors can and can't do in New Zealand. So Sarah, let's start with the basics. Can debt collectors just turn up at my house demanding money? Not legally, no. Under New Zealand...

Right, so you've decided on the Bay of Islands for your next trip – smart choice! I've been going up there for years, and honestly, it never gets old. But there's definitely a bit of planning involved if you want to make the most of it. Let me share what I've learned from both amazing trips and a few "wish I'd known that earlier" moments. When should you actually go? Summer (December -...

  Debt. It’s one of those things that creeps up on you, often slowly at first, and before you know it, you’re facing multiple credit card payments, loans, and bills. That’s exactly where I found myself last year. I wasn’t exactly living a lavish lifestyle, but a couple of poor decisions and some unexpected life events had left me with more debt than I was...

  I still remember my first time chartering a boat in Coromandel. I was looking for a way to explore the region’s hidden gems beyond the crowded beaches and popular trails. That’s when a friend suggested a charter boat experience. Not only did it give me a new perspective on Coromandel’s coast, but it also turned out to be one of the best ways to escape the usual tourist...

  Cathedral Cove is one of New Zealand’s most iconic spots, and while many people hike to it, there’s something uniquely special about arriving by boat. I recently had the chance to take a cathedral cove charter, and it added a whole new layer to the experience. You get to see the cove from a totally different perspective, and the journey itself is packed with stunning views...

  When I first started exploring New Zealand, I quickly learned that some of the best experiences come from the hidden gems that often go unnoticed. This is how I found myself in Russell, where the quaint cottages offered a perfect home base for my adventures in the Bay of Islands. If you’re looking for a comfortable and charming place to stay, let me share my experience with russell...

Moving to New Zealand for work was a dream come true. I still remember the first time I stepped off the plane and breathed in that fresh Kiwi air. One of the first places I ventured to was Russell, a hidden gem in the Bay of Islands. This charming little town quickly became a home away from home for me. Choosing the right accommodation in russell new zealand was pivotal in making my experience...

  Moving to New Zealand was an adventure I’d always dreamed of. I was excited to start my new job and explore this beautiful country. However, as my enthusiasm for my new life grew, I quickly realised that managing my finances was going to be a challenge. I had accumulated some debt from my studies and needed a solution to help me regain control. That’s when I came across the...

  Living in New Zealand has been an incredible journey, but like many young professionals, I faced the common struggle of managing finances while trying to build a life. One of the most pressing issues was my debt. That’s when I discovered debt consolidation loans and how they could help me regain control. What is a Debt Consolidation Loan? In simple terms, a debt consolidation loan...

When I first moved to New Zealand, I was thrilled with the adventure of living in a new country. But it didn’t take long before I was overwhelmed with bills, payments, and the cost of living. Between a student loan, credit card payments, and a car loan, I was stretched thin, constantly worrying about making ends meet. Then, I heard about consolidating debt from a colleague who had been...