PRESS RELEASE
New Zealand Credit Unions celebrate International Volunteer Day
AUCKLAND, TUESDAY 5 DECEMBER 2006 – Credit Unions from Whangarei to Invercargill pay tribute to the more than 400
volunteer directors on International Volunteer Day.
Credit Union directors are volunteers elected by membership to serve the needs of the 175,000 New Zealanders who are
members of Credit Unions.
“As one of the larger volunteer organisations in New Zealand, our directors give their time, skills, and participate in
director training to undertake governance of the Credit Union to ensure that their Credit Union and the industry remain
robust and sustainable in the future,” says Doug McLaren, Chief Exceutive, New Zealand Association of Credit Unions.
International Volunteer Day allows Credit Unions the opportunity to say thanks to their directors for their dedication
and also to all the volunteers who provide an array of services and activities that are vital to the social, economic,
environmental and cultural well-being of New Zealand.
“Our members’ financial independence is paramount to us. As directors, we truly believe in the purpose of Credit Unions
to help people better their lives through savings, thrift and the wise use of credit. Being in the finance industry, it
is imperative that we continue to upskill ourselves and strive for best practice in Credit Union governance in the
interest of our members,” says Neil McDonald, Chair, New Zealand Association of Credit Unions.
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.
5 December, was designated International Volunteer Day by the United Nations 22 years ago, and is marked around the
world to celebrate and acknowledge the immense contribution made by volunteers across many sectors and activities
including emergency services, health, welfare, education, sport and recreation, conservation, arts and culture, special
interests and advocacy
ENDS