"My name is Ritaben Lakhani. I am a 73-year-old permanent resident of New Zealand, originally from India. I sought help and support from the Manawatū Multicultural Council (MMC) regarding emergency benefits after my benefits were mistakenly stopped by MSD due to misinformation.

MMC Community Connector Asmatullah and Service Manager Kanchana provided invaluable assistance with financial support and facilitated meetings with community members for over four months. Thanks to their efforts, I was able to successfully re-establish my emergency benefits.

I am truly grateful for the help and support provided by the MMC staff, particularly the Community Connector and Service Manager. Their ability to communicate in Hindi and other languages, coupled with their welcoming approach, makes them exceptional in assisting people from diverse backgrounds."

(January, 2025)