Debtfix takes hardship off providers’ hands

Financial hardship withdrawal numbers have increased sharply in recent years. There were 10,000 more withdrawals last year than in 2024, to a total of 58,460.

Each withdrawal requires KiwiSaver provider staff to process the application for a supervisor to make the decision.

Debtfix chief executive Christine Liggins said her organisation was working with six providers so far, including Milford Asset Management and Simplicity.

“Milford have said it’s actually improved their staff morale – obviously we’re dealing with all the people in hardship and we get all the abuse and all the struggling people, that’s what we are set up to deal with. It takes them out of the KiwiSaver provider’s hands and they can get on with making and saving money rather than giving it away.”