Credit Unions celebrate NZ Credit Union Week

New Zealand Credit Unions celebrate New Zealand Credit Union Week

AUCKLAND, THURSDAY 19 OCTOBER 2006 – Credit Unions from Whangarei to Invercargill are inviting the community to join them as they celebrate New Zealand Credit Union Week this week.

The Credit Unions will pay tribute to the 174,000 New Zealanders who are members of Credit Unions, the 400 staff and the more than 400 elected volunteer directors in the Credit Union Movement.

“New Zealand Credit Union Week allows us the opportunity to say thanks to our members for their support and also to share what we do with the communities we operate in,” says Doug McLaren, Chief Executive, New Zealand Association of Credit Unions.

New Zealand Credit Union Week has grown from Credit Union Day which has been celebrated in the United States since 1948. The week celebrates and promotes how more than 42,000 Credit Unions in 92 countries enable their 157 million members to achieve greater financial independence.

“This year’s theme, ‘Credit Unions: Making a World of Difference’, reflects the worldwide scope and influence of Credit Unions. The theme emphasises the common desire for financial freedom that unites people in the international Credit Union Movement. While Credit Unions are all over the world, they are all locally owned so profits are reinvested back into the community of the people who use them,” says Doug McLaren.

“Credit Unions genuinely care about the well-being of their members and this is reflected in the service they provide. No need is too big or too small, so visit our branches during New Zealand Credit Union Week and celebrate with us.”

Credit Unions are not-for-profit and they give the best possible value to members while supporting the communities they operate in. They are owned and democratically controlled by their members to provide savings, loans, and insurance products while promoting thrift, budgeting and the wise use of credit.

From the established Credit Unions in America and Europe to the newest ones in Afghanistan and Africa, Credit Unions give people democratic control over their financial services and affordable access to savings and loans. They have been there to rebuild, offer hope and provide community support when all other means have failed.

ENDS

© Scoop Media