New independent director appointed
AUCKLAND, WEDNESDAY 22 MARCH 2006 – The New Zealand Association of Credit Unions has appointed Simon Hart as its
independent director to its board.
Simon has a background in governance, management and consultancy across a range of industries.
“As an independent director, Simon brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise to the Association’s board as well as an
external perspective that will benefit our industry,” says Doug McLaren, Chief Executive of the New Zealand Association
of Credit Unions.
Simon started his career with NZ Forest Products where he worked in a number of management positions dealing in
productivity and effectiveness issues.
He subsequently worked as an executive in the computer services sector and was a partner in Sheffield for over 15 years
where he increasingly specialised in governance, strategic facilitation and change leadership.
Presently Simon continues as a director of Sheffield and is chairman of Parnell Trust, a community-engagement
organisation based in Parnell, Auckland.
“Having been involved with Credit Unions in the past, and seeing the recent huge developments in service delivery,
product range, membership and assets, I look forward to participating on the Association’s board. My exposure to boards
of large corporates, co-operatives and not-for-profits will enable me to share my experience and expertise,” says Simon.
Simon believes his personal values are in alignment with the philosophy of the Credit Union industry where people in the
community own and benefit from shared and progressive financial facilities.
Doug McLaren, says Simon’s background in governance, strategic planning and legislative procedures is an asset to the
Association and the Credit Union industry as it continues its rapid growth.
New Zealand Association of Credit Unions
The Association was established in 1961 as the Credit Union League and later changed its name in 1989. It acts as the
main trade association for Credit Unions in New Zealand and provides a range of products and services to its Member
Credit Unions. Its 40 Member Credit Unions operate in more than 95 locations nationwide serving over 170,000 New
Zealanders. The Association is a member of the World Council of Credit Unions and an affiliate of the Credit Union
Services Corporation of Australia Ltd. The New Zealand Association of Credit Unions is a registered financial
cooperative and is not a registered bank.
ENDS