The information below might be helpful if you are struggling to finance back to school costs.

THE CHRISTCHURCH CITY MISSION has a Back-to-School programme to help families with these costs. www.citymission.org.nz/back-to-school

Low-income families can also access help for school stationery and uniform costs, through WORK AND INCOME MSD. You don't have to be on a benefit to get this assistance, but you do have to pay it back.

https://www.workandincome.govt.nz/eligibility/children/school-uniforms-and-stationery.html

If you are caring for someone else’s child and need help with pre-school or school related costs at the start of the year, you may be eligible to get the School and Year Start-up Payment. You need to apply every year, between mid-January and the end of February.

https://www.workandincome.govt.nz/products/a-z-benefits/school-and-year-start-up-payment.html

THE GOOD SHEPHERD NZ has interest free loans to assist with devices and school costs. Contact your nearest centre. https://goodshepherd.org.nz/good-loans/

THE JR MCKENZIE YOUTH FUND can help where death, sickness, family break up or economic hardship make it hard for families to meet school costs, including uniforms, fees, books, stationery, and reading glasses. www.youtheducationfund.org.nz/

VARIETY NEW ZEALAND helps Kiwi kids have a better childhood with grants, sponsorship, and other assistance to get through school. www.variety.org.nz/how-we-help/

If you live in Papanui, ROTARY'S CHILDREN IN NEED TRUST can help with small grants, and this is for Papanui residents. www.papanuirotary.org.nz/page/children-in-need-trust

MAKE IT HAPPEN CHRISTCHURCH helps families with school-related costs including uniform, fees, school trips, sports, music, and cultural activities. https://www.makeithappen.kiwi.nz/

MAYOR'S WELFARE FUND is only available for Christchurch City residents and can provide assistance on a one-off basis where real need can be shown. The fund is a last resort when other avenues have been exhausted.

https://ccc.govt.nz/culture-and-community/community-funding/mayors-welfare-fund