Story: Pacific churches in New Zealand

The practice of publicly reading out members' donations in some Pacific Island churches has been criticised by social-service agencies for shaming church members into paying more than they can realistically afford. Fuifui Tasi's (right) marriage broke up partly because her husband insisted on paying the expected donation to the church, meaning that the family struggled to feed their children and make ends meet. Rakanui Tangi (left), an advisor at the Ōtara Budgeting Service, helped Tasi make a financial plan and solve her debt problems. Tasi went on to become an advisor at the budgeting service herself, and now gives the church only what she can afford. 'It's between me and God.'