Aotearoa Credit Union Launches First Māori Language ATM

Aotearoa Credit Union Launches First Māori Language ATM

Aotearoa Credit Union is launching the world’s first Māori language ATM as part of a unique joint venture with a marae-based health, social services and education provider in the Waikato.

Part of a long-term strategy to be closer to its membership, Aotearoa Credit Union will open its first ‘concept’ branch in association with Te Kohao Health – based at Kirikiriroa Marae in Hamilton – on Monday 8 December 2014 from 12.30 pm.

Aotearoa Credit Union chief executive Anthony Wilson says the partnership is a fitting milestone to mark the organisation’s 25th year in business. The new outlet will include co-branded products such as the AccessDebit cards and other financial products.

“We want the new Te Kohao branch to be part of the community that we serve,” Mr Wilson explains.

“Credit unions put people before profit – once our overheads are paid, all profits are returned to our members through very competitive interest rates on savings, low-cost loans, improved services and reduced fees.

“We are also thrilled to launch New Zealand’s first Māori language ATM which is a revolutionary step forward for mainstream retail banking in this country.”

Te Kohao Health managing director Tureiti Moxon says her organisation is excited by the opportunity to provide financial services to more than 100 staff and 8,000 clients throughout the Waikato region.

The Māori King, Kiingi Tuheitia, will attend the official opening along with Māori Party co-leader Marama Fox.

“We always wanted to have our own bank and now it is happening! This new joint venture with the Aotearoa Credit Union will make finance more accessible for our people particularly when they need help for tangihanga (bereavements) and lower rates for personal loans.

“To have the first Māori language ATM is a real benefit to our people too.”

Mr Wilson says much has changed for the Aotearoa Credit Union over the past 25 years but its mission to support whānau and families remains the same.

“Since we opened our doors with just a handful of staff in November 1989, our commitment has been to put whānau and families first – placing membership at the centre of everything we do.

“We have endeavoured to keep this commitment even in the face of operational challenges and huge changes in our regulatory environment.”

Aotearoa Credit Union has seven branches throughout Auckland as well as branches in Hamilton, Wanganui and Whangārei.

For more information, go to the website – www.aotearoacu.co.nz – for the Aotearoa Credit Union or for Te Kohao Health, go to: www.tekohaohealth.co.nz

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