NZCU News
Proud Cook Islander joins NZCU Employees board
NZCU Employees Credit Union welcomes Ruth Sio-Lokam as its newest board member. A proud Cook Islander who grew up in the South Auckland suburb of Mangere, and attended the local college, Ruth studied a Bachelor of Business at AUT University (2005).
Having achieved an accounting major which opened the door for her at a large Auckland accountancy firm as an audit graduate, Ruth progressed to qualify as a chartered accountant, in 2010.
She soon embarked on her OE, working in the UK for six months before the Global Financial Crisis, which saw Ruth return home.
After giving birth to her daughter Elena (now 8) she worked in the public practice scene, which she admits made balancing family life challenging. A small boutique accounting firm in Grey Lynn, Auckland proved to be far more suitable.
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Food shopping Savings
Statistics NZ recently said the Consumer Price Index (CPI) – which measures changes in the day-to-day cost of living – was up 1.9 percent over the past 12 months.
While rises were recorded in the cost of housing and utilities, rates, transport, alcohol and tobacco- food prices fell 1.3 percent, influenced by lower prices for vegetables (down 21 percent).
However over all food prices lifted despite the tumble in fruit and vegetable prices as it was offset by increases in other products like eggs.
With this in mind, along with the rising cost of living in NZ, NZCU Employees have some tips to help you food shop on a budget: Continue reading “Food shopping Savings” »
NZCU Employees Helping Hand
Having spent much of his working life across the globe in Australia, NZ where he studied, and the UK, NZCU Employees board member Sam Maw gained an interest in how credit unions were run.
“I worked for Shell Oil International with global roles based in London before coming back to work in New Zealand for Fletchers (now WSP Opus),” he recalls.
“It was through Fletchers that I heard about its credit union for employees. I’d had never been involved and didn’t know much about them.
“But I liked how they strived to serve their membership, especially as those members are shareholders.
Ways to Bank – A Reminder
With our new banking system going live soon here’s a reminder of the different ways you can bank with us at NZCU Employees.
We want our members to be able to access their funds and accounts in whatever way is most convenient for them whether it’s via the internet or in person- have a look to see what way is best for you.
Also keep in mind to to push CHEQUE instead of SAVINGS when using the ATM and EFTPOS and Cash Account will be called Everyday Account. While you won’t notice too much change in its look, the new system will make your online banking experience faster and more reliable.
New Banking System – Push CHEQUE
Remember to push CHEQUE instead of SAVINGS when using ATM and EFTPOS.
Our new banking system makes your online banking experience faster and more reliable.
Saving Siblings
Having been with NZCU Employees for 20 years, Auckland-born and raised Cook Island brothers Robert and Ronald George know a thing or two about saving. Sharing a joint Christmas Saver Account, which always yields excellent results at the end of the year, the two keep each other in check, both in savings and good presents.
The siblings initially started saving with a syndicate.
“There was actually a few of us who all saved together,” recalls younger brother Ronald.
“But slowly, some started doing their own thing until it was just the two of us.”
Notice To Members
The proposed unification of NZCU South, NZCU Central, NZCU Steelsands, Aotearoa Credit Union and NZCU Baywide under one brand was announced on 18th December 2018 and will create New Zealand’s biggest credit union with $600 million in assets, about 75,000 member-owners and nearly 300 staff.
Credit Unions have been an important part of the financial services sector in New Zealand for more than 50 years and are the original person-to-person financial service providers.
Given our current stability and strategic focus, the board have opted to remain independent, which gives the benefit that the staff of NZCU Employees can offer the personal service that each of our member deserve.
Christmas and New Year Opening Hours
Our normal office hours are Monday – Friday (9 am – 4 pm). During the 2018-2019 holiday period we will be running a reduced service, with normal operating hours from 3 January 2019. Our holiday office hours during the Christmas / New Year period are as follows:
Back to School? NZCU Employees Have Got Your Back
Are your finances feeling stretched after an expensive Christmas and now the costs of back to school expenses are piling up? Maybe we can help you to cover the costs of this expensive time of year.
Back to school expenses like stationery, equipment, uniforms, school fees and activities can mount up fast, and it can be difficult and stressful trying to cover these expenses at the start of the year.
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Savvy saving – download tips in Samoan and Tongan too
Saving is an important part of living financially free, whether it’s to prepare for unexpected events, to fund extras like holidays, or to save for your future such as your retirement. While we’re here to help you save, there are other ways in life where you can kick the spending and start saving for a stronger financial future. Check out these savvy savings tips to make your money go further.
There are three main reasons for saving:
- For the unexpected – ensuring you’ve got money aside for emergencies such as a loss of income, a family bereavement or vehicle expenses
- For the extras in life – to fund holidays, family gatherings, a new vehicle or a laptop
- For your future – to help you in retirement when you’ve stopped working and you’re no longer earning regular income
Continue reading “Savvy saving – download tips in Samoan and Tongan too” »