TOTAL AMOUNT OWED INDIVIDUAL FEES $30 2X MAXIMUM THE AMOUNT ADVANCED TOTAL AMOUNT OWED Contact details FOR FINANCIAL ADVICE SERVICES Fono participants explained that a mix of low incomes and access to lending culminated in financial hardship.97 They noted that due to their obligations to extended-family networks and community groups, they lacked ready access to capital from their wages, therefore required lending. Compounding this, their low levels of wages make them higher risk to mainstream lending institutions, leaving them exposed to high-cost and predator lenders. In turn, further compounding the financial stress, the higher repayments on the loans for the obligations reduce Pacific borrowers’ ability to meet daily household expenses which then necessitate the need for new high-cost lending from such providers.98 Employment Pacific workers are predominantly employed in the manufacturing, wholesale and retail and healthcare sectors. Pacific workers are prevalent in low-paying industries and under-represented in higher skilled industries (such as public administration and professional, scientific and technical services) and higher income industries (such as the financial and insurance sector). 97 98 MAXIMUM DAILY COST OF FINANCE 0.8% People from Pacific communities have told us about workplace and labour practices that inhibited their access to decent work and an adequate standard of living. They were often passed over for promotion and not considered or identified as employees that could advance further in the workplace. In addition, they were vulnerable to both unemployment and under-employment, which further impacted their ability to manage financially. The right to work is affirmed in the ICESCR. Article 6.1 provides that States Parties “recognise the right to work, which includes the right of everyone to the opportunity to gain his living by work which he freely chooses or accepts and will take appropriate steps to safeguard this right.” Article 2.2 provides that this right must be exercised without discrimination. Communities are concerned that there isn’t sufficient available information about workers’ rights and protections. Stuff (Auckland) “Low-income people turning to loan sharks because ‘they’re nicer’”.15 October 2018. Accessed at https://www.stuff.co.nz/business/107815319/lowincome-people-turning-to-loan-sharks-because-theyre-nicer. Families Commission. 2012. Pacific families and Debt Problem. Wellington: Families Commission, p. 36. Accessed at https://www.superu.govt.nz/sites/default/files/pacific-families-problem-debt.pdf. 27