NZCU News
A unique opportunity – our Board of Directors needs you!
NZCU Employees is currently taking nominations for our Board of Directors. As a non-profit organisation we strive for service over profits, however we must also make sound financial decisions.
This is a unique opportunity to apply your skills and take our Credit Union into the future.
As a mutual financial organisation, NZCU Employees is democratically governed by our board which is elected from, by and for our members. Continue reading “A unique opportunity – our Board of Directors needs you!” »
KiwiSaver Questions Answered
Save for your future with KiwiSaver through NZCU Employees.
When you join KiwiSaver, you are looking after your future, whether it’s to help you purchase your first home or to save for your retirement.
We have compiled some common and frequently asked questions to answer about the nationwide savings scheme with links to help you understand KiwiSaver more.
A papa kainga for our future generations
With the help of NZCU Employees, hardworking couple Greg Campbell and Indra Thomas were able to take out a home loan through Co-operative Bank. It enabled them to buy out Indra’s mother’s half of their Auckland home in order to keep for their children. They found the process a smooth and hassle-free journey.
“Mum and I were on the verge of putting our home on the market prior to Greg and I deciding to buy her out,” recalls Indra, of Te Arawa iwi from Maketu.
“Greg and I decided to have a go at obtaining a loan to buy out Mum, so that we could keep the home as our papa kainga in Auckland for our future generations- really for our children.”
Continue reading “A papa kainga for our future generations” »
Strong loyalty and service
If NZCU Employees was a KiwiSaver provider when Fred Wheki joined the savings scheme 12 years ago, he would have transferred his fund to join the NZCU Employees scheme with Generate back then.
The Hamilton-born and Waikato-raised Maori of Ngāti Hauā, part of wider iwi Tainui, has been banking with the credit union for most of his working life.
“I’ve been an NZCU member for a number of years. When I was with the Ford Alloy Wheel Plant, they were the bank with Ford, so I joined then,” he recalls.
Setting Targets Brings Rewards for Mary
Mary Lavea had been trying to save for a long time, but seeing her money hit her account each week always tempted her to spend it straight away.
She was therefore excited when told about NZCU Employees, who set her up with a Target Savings Account.
Mary was then able to reach her goal of saving enough to buy a brand new Smart TV for the family
Continue reading “Setting Targets Brings Rewards for Mary” »
Helping members achieve goals
NZCU Employees’ new Business Development Manager Sili Aii-Lale’s parents were only 18 years old when they came to New Zealand from Samoa. The couple worked hard to save for a deposit to buy their Mangere home and Sili’s hope is that more of its members can realise their own savings goals with her help.
“It’s about people,” says Sili, who is NZCU Employees newest employee and loves coming to work.
“I love the environment because it’s all about the members and the people involved,” she adds.
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.
Continue reading “Proud Cook Islander joins NZCU Employees board” »
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.