How The Makatuliki Homeownership Programme Helped a Young Couple Become Debt-Free and Dream Bigger

For many young Pasifika couples in New Zealand, homeownership can feel like a far-off dream—something reserved for “a few people.” But for the recently married couple, Theo and Caitlin, that mindset changed the moment they enrolled in Zeducation’s Makatuliki Programme.

What started as a simple recommendation from Theo’s sister turned into a life-changing journey.

“My sister and her husband were doing the course, and she kept telling me how helpful it was. We decided to give it a try—and it’s honestly one of the best decisions we’ve made as a couple.”

Over 10 weeks, Theo and Caitlin joined an online community of Pasifika learners guided by qualified facilitators. The course, developed and delivered by Zeducation, is designed to help Pasifika living in New Zealand to build financial literacy, reduce debt, and move toward homeownership.

But the impact went far beyond just learning about money.

“The course opened our eyes to how our different cultural backgrounds shaped how we use money,” Caitlin explains. “I come from a Polynesian culture where giving is part of who we are. But we also learned the importance of balance—of taking care of our future while still honouring our values.”

They didn’t just learn how to budget. They built an emergency fund, paid off their debts, and—most importantly—started believing that homeownership was possible.

“Before Makatuliki, I had no financial literacy. When people talked about tax, KiwiSaver, or first-home grants, I’d just shut off. But now? We feel in control. We know what to do. This course removed the fear and replaced it with confidence.”

Today, they’re debt-free, goal-driven, and actively planning for their future as homeowners.

“This programme gave us tools we’ll use for the rest of our lives. It gave us hope—and a plan.”

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Why This Matters

Zeducation created the Makatuliki Programme with one goal in mind: To unleash the greatness in Pasifika communities by giving them the tools to thrive—financially, personally, and generationally.

The programme is more than worksheets and workshops. It’s a cultural shift. It’s economic empowerment wrapped in understanding, identity, and action.

With no cost to learners and full accessibility online, the programme removes common barriers to learning and equips participants with:

✅ Weekly online sessions (2 hours/week) ✅ SMART goal-setting strategies ✅ Budgeting tools tailored for Pasifika families ✅ Pathways to reduce debt and increase savings ✅ A clear roadmap to homeownership and retirement ✅ Qualified, culturally aware facilitators ✅ Certificate of Completion + Digital Badge

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A Call to Action for Funders

Theo and Caitlin’s success is not an exception—it’s a model of what’s possible when the right programme meets the right people.

But to continue transforming lives, we need your support.

Funding programmes like Makatuliki means investing in more than financial literacy. It means investing in stronger families, economically resilient communities, and a future where Pasifika people are active participants in Aotearoa’s housing market—not left behind by it.

👉 Contact Zeducation and let's discuss how you can support the Makatuliki Programme. Contact us here

Together, we can turn financial literacy into generational legacy.