A budgeting service in South Auckland has been inundated with requests for appointments in the lead-up to Christmas.
Mangere Budgeting and Family Support Services says it's unable to take any more clients until the third week of January.
Chief executive Darryl Evans says people are calling on a daily basis wanting appointments to see budget advisers or wanting help with food parcels or Christmas hampers.
"Over the last ten days we've had over 80 phone calls asking for assistance with food to last people through the Christmas holidays."
Darryl Evans says it's a desperate time for many families in South Auckland.
