Kingdom Resources, a longstanding Christchurch community organisation providing financial mentoring and life skills education, has announced it is undergoing a necessary organisational restructure following the loss of government funding.

The restructure comes at a time of high cost of living pressures and increasing demand for support, placing additional strain on individuals and families already struggling financially. The proposed reduction in personnel costs will result in a reduced level of service to the community, particularly in onetoone financial mentoring and group life skills courses.

‘Like many community organisations, we are feeling the impact of government funding cuts at the very time demand for our services is rising to a point where we now operate a waitlist,’ said David Baines, Chief Executive of Kingdom Resources. ‘We have worked very hard to absorb these changes, but our reserves has reduced to a point where we are unable to maintain the current level of support our community currently relies on’.

Kingdom Resources expressed its deep gratitude to existing funders and supporters, whose continued commitment has enabled the organisation to keep operating despite the loss of longstanding government funding.

‘We are incredibly thankful to our current funders and partners who have stood with us through a very challenging period,’ Mr Baines said. ‘Their support has made it possible for us to continue walking alongside people facing financial hardship.’

As part of its sustainability efforts, Kingdom Resources will move next week into significantly more affordable premises at 246 Lyttelton Street, Spreydon.

‘Relocating to lowercost offices is a vital step for our future,’ Mr Baines said. ‘We are deeply grateful to Rātā Foundation and South West Baptist Church for their generosity and practical support. This move to 246 Lyttelton Street gives us breathing room — but it does not solve the broader funding gap we are facing.’

Despite costsaving measures, including two key staff members who are now working as volunteers, additional funding is now urgently needed to enable Kingdom Resources to meet the strong demand for support from people dealing with unsustainable debt, housing stress, food insecurity, and financial instability — pressures that have intensified as living costs continue to rise.

‘If we are forced to reduce services, it will mean fewer people can access onetoone financial mentoring and life skills courses,’ Mr Baines said. ‘That is a very real concern at a time when many households are already stretched to breaking point.’

Kingdom Resources is calling on philanthropic funders, churches, businesses, and individuals to partner with the organisation to ensure that essential financial wellbeing services are available to our communities.

‘Every investment in financial capability has a powerful ripple effect,’ Mr Baines said. ‘It strengthens households, reduces crisis situations, and helps build more resilient communities. With the right support, we can continue to offer hope, practical help, and longterm change to those who need it most.’

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