Staying Safe and Sane

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Finances when Planning to Separate

In New Zealand, “Economic Abuse” is legally recognized under the Family Violence Act 2018. It includes behaviors like controlling your access to money, refusing to pay child support, or making you ask for permission to buy essentials.

If you are planning to separate, financial independence is your “exit ramp.” Here is what you need to know to protect yourself and access help.

The Financial Firewall: A Survivor’s Guide to Economic Independence in NZ

In Aotearoa, Economic Abuse is a recognized form of family violence under the Family Violence Act 2018. It is more than just “money trouble”—it is a tactic of control. If you are planning to leave, your financial safety is your exit ramp.

1. Banking Safety: The 11-Bank Support Network

Most New Zealand banks now have specialized Economic Harm or Extra Care units. They can help you open “shadow” accounts, freeze joint funds, and ensure your abuser cannot see your transactions.

  • The Big Five: BNZ (0800 085 222), ASB (0800 272 272), ANZ (0800 731 200), Westpac (0800 400 600), and Kiwibank (0800 113 355) all have dedicated trauma-informed teams.
  • Regional & Member Specialists: If you bank with TSB, The Co-operative Bank, SBS Bank, or Unity, call their main 0800 lines and ask for “The Specialist Support/Hardship Team” regarding a sensitive vulnerability matter.
  • Sector-Specific Care: Heartland Bank (Seniors/Reverse Mortgages) and Rabobank (Rural/Agri) have specialist protocols for elder and rural economic harm.

Crucial Tip: Open a “Safe Account” at a bank different from your partner’s. Ask for “Digital Only” statements to be sent to a safe email address so no mail arrives at your home.

2. Immediate Financial Support (Work and Income)

You do not need to be “broke” to ask for help. WINZ has specialist Family Violence Case Managers who can bypass standard wait times.

  • Re-establishment Grant: A non-repayable payment (approx. $600) to help buy essentials for a new home.
  • Emergency Housing: WINZ can fund safe, short-term accommodation (motels/refuges) while you find a permanent solution.
  • Benefit Fast-Track: If you are leaving, tell WINZ you are in a “Family Harm” situation. This allows them to waive the usual stand-down periods for Sole Parent Support or Jobseeker benefits.

3. Property, Debt, and the “50/50” Rule

Under the Property (Relationships) Act 1976, assets earned during a relationship of 3+ years are usually split 50/50. However, debt is more complicated:

  • “Joint and Several” Liability: If you have a joint credit card, the bank can legally hold you 100% responsible if your partner refuses to pay.
  • KiwiSaver: In cases of significant financial hardship after leaving, you may be eligible for an Early Withdrawal to cover basic living costs.
  • EPoA & Wills: CRITICAL. Separate your legal life immediately. If you don’t update your Will or Enduring Power of Attorney, your ex-partner could still legally make medical decisions for you or inherit your assets.

Securing Your Financial Independence

1. Dedicated Safety Policies

Most New Zealand banks—including the “Big Five” (Westpac, BNZ, ASB, ANZ, Kiwibank) and major regional providers like TSB, The Co-operative Bank, SBS Bank, and Unity—have dedicated Family Violence and Economic Harm policies.

Action: When you call, ask to speak with their “Specialist Support” or “Extra Care” teams. These staff are specifically trained to help you secure your money safely and discreetly.

2. The Individual “Safe” Account

If it is safe to do so, open a brand-new bank account in your name only.

  • Pro-Tip: If possible, choose a bank that is completely different from the one you currently use with your partner.
  • Digital Safety: Instruct the bank to set up “Paperless Statements” only. Ensure they are sent to your “safe” email address so no physical mail arrives at your home.
  • Specialist Banks: If you are a senior, Heartland Bank has specialist teams for individual accounts; if you are in a rural or farming community, Rabobank offers specific advice for managing individual agribusiness finances.

3. Redirecting Your Income

Once your safe account is active, contact your employer, Work and Income (WINZ), or Inland Revenue to redirect your wages, benefits, or Paid Parental Leave into this new account.

  • Timing is Key: Try to time this change so the first payment lands right after you have reached a safe location.

4. Protecting Joint Funds (The “Freeze”)

If you are concerned that an abuser may drain a joint account, contact your bank immediately. You have two primary options to protect the balance:

  • “Both-to-Sign” (Double Signatures): You can request that the bank changes the account settings so that both people must sign off on any withdrawal.
  • Account Freeze: You can ask the bank to “Freeze” the account entirely. This stops all money from leaving the account (including automatic payments) until a legal agreement or court order is in place.
  • Note for Credit Unions/SBS: Smaller institutions like Unity or SBS Bank often provide a more personal “Member-to-Member” service, which can make these manual freezes faster to implement in a crisis.

The 4-Phase Financial Exit Strategy

Phase 1: The Gathering (30 Days Out)

  • [ ] Audit Your ID: Take photos of Passports, Birth Certificates (yours and the children’s), and your Marriage/Civil Union certificate.
  • [ ] The Paper Trail: Photograph the last 3 months of bank statements (including accounts in his name), KiwiSaver balances, and mortgage/loan papers.
  • [ ] Hidden Savings: If safe, withdraw small amounts of “extra” cash at the supermarket checkout ($10–$20) and keep it in a safe place or deposit it into your “Safe Account.”

Phase 2: The Securing (14 Days Out)

  • [ ] Change All PINs: Update the PINs on your phone, banking apps, and personal cards.
  • [ ] Secure Your Pay: Contact your employer or WINZ. Give them your new safe account number for all future payments.
  • [ ] Digital Privacy: Ensure your “Safe Account” is set to paperless. Check that your “Find My Phone” or Google location sharing is turned OFF.

Phase 3: The Launch (The Week of Leaving)

  • [ ] Use Your Rights: Under NZ law, you are entitled to 10 days of paid Domestic Violence Leave. Use this time to move, visit lawyers, or attend WINZ appointments without losing income.
  • [ ] Freeze the Exit: Call your joint bank. Ask to “Freeze the Joint Account” or change it to “Both-to-Sign” so your partner cannot drain the funds the moment you leave.
  • [ ] Secondary Cards: Cancel any “additional” credit cards held by the abuser on accounts where you are the primary holder.

Phase 4: The Protection (After You Leave)

[ ] MoneyTalks (0800 345 123): Connect with a free, confidential financial mentor to build a “Survival Budget” for your new life.

[ ] Contact Good Shepherd NZ: The most direct way for someone to access this specialist support is Phone: 0800 466 370 – select Option 4, Email: Ehservice@goodshepherd.org.nz, Website: https://goodshepherd.org.nz/get-support/our-services/family-violence-economic-harm/ to access the referral form. Good Shepherd provides a nationwide Family Violence Economic Harm Service – which supports people experiencing the financial impacts of family violence. Specialists work one-on-one with clients (primarily by phone) to help them address the financial harm caused by economic abuse, such as unjust or coerced debt. The team advocates with creditors and organizations, supports access to family violence hardship provisions, and helps people rebuild financial capability and independence. This service is not an emergency or crisis response service.

[ ] Hide Your Address: Apply for the Unpublished Electoral Roll so your new location cannot be found through public records.