Creating better futures with Buttabean Motivation

Dave Letele specialises in getting people motivated and fit – and for the last three years, Westpac staff have been helping them get financially fit.

Since 2021, Westpac NZ employees have been volunteering their time to run Managing Your Money workshops as part of the eight-week Attitude & Fit Buttabean Motivation (BBM) programme.

A new course has just kicked off and Westpac Mangere Bank Manager Sila Iona says it’s great to be involved again.

“These courses provide meaningful development for people in our communities. Our Westpac whānau are always keen to support financial wellbeing and we’re stoked to be delivering our Managing Your Money content to the latest group.”  

The free South Auckland-based BBM programme focuses on uplifting and upskilling people to help get them into education or employment. It combines classes on topics including kapa haka, New Zealand history, financial education, and physical exercise, with practical support for attendees to do things like get their forklift and driver’s licences.

Westpac became involved with the programme through BBM founder Dave Letele.

“Dave’s really focused on providing support to the South Auckland community, so we’ve connected through various initiatives,” says Mr Iona.

“When he mentioned they were keen to have a financial capability component to their programme, we jumped at the chance to support it.”

The Westpac Managing Your Money classes provide information on topics including budgeting, saving, KiwiSaver and buying a first home.

Timi Taiiri, BBM Cultural Advisor, says it’s positive to have Westpac involved.

“Our programme relies on volunteers, so it’s been great to have Westpac involved in delivering these financial capability sessions,” Taiiri says.

“On the first day of the programme, I show everyone there a blank piece of paper and tell them this is their opportunity to start fresh. BBM is focused on supporting better outcomes for people in our communities – getting companies like Westpac involved means we can have a greater impact.”    

For more information about BBM and its programmes, visit www.thebbmprogram.com