Utility, housing, banking and finance companies are being asked pause disconnections, debt collections and waive penalty fees as people struggle to pay their bills during the Covid-19 lockdown.

Making the pleas in an open letter, 15 social service organisations also called for a moratorium on debt collection and late payment fees imposed by central and local government.

“Covid-19 is causing immense disruption to our society and our economy. Hundreds of thousands of New Zealanders and their families now face having to survive on a reduced income,” the letter said.