Cash-strapped families are seeking budgeting advice in record numbers with some having just $50 to feed a family of four after paying weekly bills.
In Rotorua and Bay of Plenty alone, 2815 clients used budgeting services last financial year. Their average debt was $25,530, of which $2710 was overdue.
Mortgages made up the top debt category, with $11 million owed. Second was money owed to government departments ($7 million), followed by bank loans ($3.25 million) and finance company loans ($3.21 million).
Local clients repaid $2190 on average while using the services.
Salvation Army Community Ministries manager and budget adviser Shelly Fischer, said clients had high electricity bills, as many were using ovens to heat homes.