Far North family support service closing due to funding
The Northern Community Family Service in Kerikeri will close in two weeks due to a lack of funding. The service has supported families for over 25 years, originally starting as the Community Budgeting Service in 1999. The organization changed its name in 2016 to reflect its expanded services, including financial mentoring and family support. Despite long-term board member commitment, ongoing funding challenges have led to the closure. Hundreds of families will now face longer travel distances to access similar services. The closure marks the end of a significant local resource for financial and family support.